Pilot project to strengthen ties between Friendship Centres and schools

By Theodora MacLeod - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on July 26, 2023.

In an effort to advance reconciliation, Alberta Education has announced the launch of a pilot project that will connect Alberta schools with local Indigenous partners, through The Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA).

The new Bridging Classrooms to Communities project will provide $10.5 million over three years and encourage the development of Indigenous-centred programs, events, and supports in schools to strengthen ties between the school system and Indigenous families and communities.

With the aim of creating opportunities for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students, the project will fund the hiring of community connections workers to liaise with school authorities to improve access to transportation, extracurricular activities, and support services, among other things.

Minister of Education, Hon. Demetrios Nicolaides says he firmly believes the path to reconciliation starts with education.

“This is an important step forward in advancing reconciliation. Alberta’s United Conservative government takes reconciliation seriously and this small, but important, step will help bring Indigenous communities and school authorities closer together.”

He says he is committed to ensuring the education system supports reconciliation.

ANFCA is made up of 21 Friendship Centres throughout the province, and President Len Morissette believes “With this support from Alberta Education, Friendship Centres are able to weave Indigenous knowledge and culturally responsive educational supports to increase positive learning environments and urban Indigenous students’ academic and future success.”

Friendship Centres respond to the unique needs of Indigenous peoples across Canada and focus on providing cultural programs and services. The organization takes a grassroots approach to cultural sharing and focus on empowering Indigenous people to create engagement throughout all sectors. The objective of their initiatives is to break down systemic barriers that hinder the success of Indigenous Canadians.

Of the $10.5 million allocated, $3 million will go towards eligible Indigenous organizations in rural and urban areas to help create meaningful connections that ensure Indigenous students and their families feel heard. The remaining $7.5 million will go directly to ANFCA to be distributed throughout their network.

Hon. Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations, said in a release he trusts “these meaningful connections will help provide excellent opportunities for Indigenous students to feel heard and receive support to excel at school and in life now and in the future.”

Applications for the grant will open later this summer with funding to be disturbed in the fall. This is one of several projects in the ongoing initiative to improve outcomes for all Albertans and create meaningful change. It is expected to provide support to 35 communities across Alberta.