Âcimowin, kitachimowinaw,

We are sad to share the news that our cultural advisor, Jeremy Albert, has accepted an

exciting career opportunity outside of Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS). We wish him the very best in his new adventures. With change comes new opportunities and new relationships, and EIPS would like to welcome Matthew Spencer to the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education team. Matthew is a proud Nakoda from Carry the Kettle, Treaty 4 territory. He brings much experience and expertise to the Division. We’re excited for Matthew to meet everyone and become an important part of our EIPS family.

Connect with Mr. Haman , at clay.haman@eips.ca or 780-467-2295 the

First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Lead Teacher at the school.

There are many important dates of significance in the coming weeks, and EIPS is planning many engaging learning experiences for staff and students across the Division.

November 7 – Inuit Day

November 8 – Indigenous Veterans Day

November 12-18 – Métis Week

November 15 – Rock Your Mocs

Leah Atcheynum has returned this year to work with students at Clover Bar. She will

be making monthly visits to the Indigenous Room. On her first visit, students

identified the following topics for future visits:

-Medicines

-Rock Painting

-Bracelet Making (wolf willow + finger weaving)

-Tufting

Leaha will be at Clover Bar for morning visits on the following dates:

Nov. 2, Dec. 6, Jan. 10,

Feb. 7, Mar. 6, Apr. 3, May 1, June 5.

You should have recently received a Permission Click email asking for permission for

your child to participate with Leaha. Thanks to those that replied. If you did not

receive an email and would like your child to participate, please email me at

clay.haman@eips.ca

In support of learning more about our common history and moving towards

reconciliation, Heritage Hills Elementary is hosting a Blanket Exercise in the school

gym on November 16 that is open to all community members. It will be led by

members of the EIPS First Nations,Métis and Inuit Education Team. Please note, this

event is intended for adults only.

The Blanket Exercise is a powerful experiential learning opportunity for Indigenous

and non-Indigenous peoples. It is a 1 ½ hour interactive simulation that shares the

story of colonization and the lived experiences of First Nations, Métis and Inuit over

500 years of shared history.

The exercise was developed by KAIROS and Indigenous Peoples as a response to the

Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and helps participants begin to understand

the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the

Crown. If you have attended a Blanket Exercise in the past or if this is your first time,

it is a very impactful, thought-provoking activity. To learn more about this

experience, visit: https://www.kairosblanketexercise.org/

Click here to RSVP by November 8.

Study Help for Métis students. Rupertsland Institute has secured access to

AlbertaExamBank for K-12 Métis students to test their understanding through online

practice. Métis students can sign up for the RECC Room to find the login for their

MNA Region. Questions?

Contact education@rupertsland.org.

There are a variety of scholarships, bursaries and grants available to First Nations,

Métis and Inuit students to attend trade school, college or university. Talk to your

child’s lead teacher for more information or support in filling out applications.

Each year, Métis Nation of Alberta provides scholarships to reward outstanding

academic achievement. Scholarships are open to Métis students pursuing postsecondary

education. Scholarship recipients receive both monetary reward and

recognition during the November Métis Week celebration. The deadline for

scholarship applications is October 31 of the current year. Submit application

packages to scholarship@metis.org. For all scholarship questions, contact the MNA.

Reach out to your school’s lead teacher, connect with

the Division team at victoria.vilaivan@eips.ca and read the Division’s blog.

- CBC Unreserved: Remembering the contributions of Indigenous veterans is an

Indigenous radio broadcast exploring the contributions of Indigenous veterans in

Canada.

- NFB-Forgotten Warriors (51:20) is a full-length documentary about the service of

Indigenous peoples in the Canadian military. The documentary features interviews

with Indigenous veterans who chose to serve abroad while their rights were being

violated at home.

- Rupertsland Institute is offering daily, free virtual field trips during Métis Week.

Log in to the RECC Room to access them.

- Who are the Métis? – Video from the Métis Nation of Alberta.

- Métis Settlements ebook – Making History: Our Land, Our Culture, Our Future.

- Digital Storytelling – Stories from Fishing Lake Métis Settlement.

- Rupertsland Institute electronic books on the five Métis Foundational Knowledge

themes.

- Inuit Circumpolar Council has a website with engaging activities for children.

- Inuit Nunangat Taimannganit storytelling project is a collection of many stories from

across Inuit homelands.

- Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami webpage is a wealth of information for exploring and

learning.

This annual event is intended to share the rich history behind the ribbon skirt as a

symbol of Indigenous strength and feminism. On October 28, from noon to 3 p.m.,

join others at Edmonton City Hall to learn about and help stop the prejudices

Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people face when they wear their skirts.

On November 18, join the community to celebrate and recognize Indigenous men

from across the land we presently call Alberta. Visit the Okimâw Awards website or

Facebook page for details, including time, place and award categories. Elder Bert

Auger, Elder Gilman Cardinal and drum keeper Lloyd Cardinal—who are

instrumental in EIPS’ annual culture camp—all received an Okimâw award last year.

We’re grateful for the Indigenous men who generously share their gifts with the

community in a variety of areas.

- Visit Strathcona County’s Indigenous Connections page for information and

upcoming events.

- The City of Fort Saskatchewan has a Truth and Reconciliation initiatives page and

an active Indigenous Society of Fort Saskatchewan.

- Visit the Indigenous events page through eventbrite.

- The Edmonton Indigenous Relations Community Bulletin shares events and

initiatives in the Edmonton area.

University of Alberta Continuing Education

and the Faculty of Native Studies offers excellent online courses throughout the year.

Registration for Indigenous Canada is now open.

Interested in a free, 30-day online fitness challenge with Iskwew Health? Western

Variety is offering another 30-Day Fitness Challenge in November in partnership

with Iskwew Health. Registration closes on Oct. 31, 2023. NOTE: This challenge is

through Facebook, as all workouts will be accessed through that platform.

Interested in holiday shopping? The Indigenous Arts Market Collective (IAM

Collective) is hosting their annual A Very Indigenous Holiday Market November 10,

11 and 12.