The ribbon was cut celebrating the creation of the East Central First Nations Education Partnership in James Smith on Thursday. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

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While embracing the knowledge of yesterday through a land-based education program, the East Central First Nations Education Authority is focused on their goals – teaching the leaders of tomorrow.

Director of Eduation Randy Constant told northeastNOW how the Indigenous organization based in Nipawin is planning to mold the minds of the 400-plus students in its charge.

“We touch upon with all the demographics associated with the school to ensure that no rock is left unturned and to gain insight into what will work with our demographics,” said Constant.

That means talking to groups of all ages. The Authority has so far held ‘summits’ with youth, parents, teachers and elders. Soon they will hold one for the leadership.

Everyone that has a stake in the education of youth gets a voice, he said.

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“I think that’s it’s a step in the right direction and it provides an opportunity for everyone to have say as to how the education plays out within the First Nation,” Constant said.

On Thursday, the authority celebrated its inauguration at Bernard Constant School on the James Smith Cree Nation and had a school powwow to celebrate afterwards.

In the aftermath of the mass stabbing incident on September 4, 2022, in which 11 community members were killed and 18 others injured, there has needed to be a shift in some of the programs available as the community continues to cope with trauma.

“Since our September 4 critical incident, we’ve had to pivot and of course address the new reality for the community of James Smith,” Constant said.

The education authority is creating a strategy to use new programming in the next school year to address how the school students and staff have been impacted.

They have also created a Wellness Centre right in the school and have put aside money to hire a wellness co-ordinator, a wellness consultant, a mental health therapist, social workers and guidance counselors.

Students and staff have access to all of them and therapists come into the school twice a week to make sure the bases are covered.

The wellness workers are also given the opportunity to debrief, a move that is important to make sure the services are as all-encompassing as possible, he said.

Students participating in the land-based education classroom said they like the mix of indoor and outdoor education.

“We learn about our culture and stuff like making fires, or you know, making tents but resources that we’re limited to,” said Jasmine Whitehead, a Grade 10 student.

They have learned to use flint and steel to make fire and cook fish and rice.

Some of the skills are very practical, such as how to stay calm should they ever get stuck outdoors with no help.

The Wellness Centre inside the school has been a welcome resource for the students and they also like the additional support staff that come with it.

“Education transformation has worked for our community, it will continue to work in our community and while we ensure that each perspective is taken into consideration, when we move, when we step forward,” Constant said.

If we have that as our foundation, we’ll always have success.”

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com