NLPS teachers throughout the division continue to build on their foundational knowledge about First Nations, Metis and Inuit.

Jimmi Lou Irvine, is the Associate Superintendent with Student Services and Indigenous Relations with the NLPS. 

Irvine provided the Board with a report recently on initiatives underway in relation to First Nations, Metis and Inuit students in the division at their board meeting.

“For the 2020-2021 school year, there are a total of 1,773 students in the division who have self-identified as either First Nations, Metis or Inuit,” Irvine said. “That is just slightly less than 30 per cent of the total student population.”

Teachers are always trying to enhance their education when it comes to learning about Indigenous culture. Irvine says one opportunity that was provided to all NLPS staff earlier this year was taking part in a Cree language course presented in partnership with Portage College. 

“As a result, morning announcements at some schools now include Indigenous language greetings,”  Irvine told the Board in the meeting. “Some school administrative assistants are taking courses so they can learn to greet and interact with parents in languages other than English.”

Arthur@lakelandconnect.thedev.ca