Indigenous-Led Roots of Resilience Charter School Opens in Alberta

The Roots of Resilience Charter School, Alberta’s newest Indigenous-led educational institution, opened its doors in Drayton Valley on March 10, 2024. Located approximately 145 kilometres southwest of Edmonton, the school welcomed 73 students for its inaugural year. Founded by principal Charlene Bearhead, the K-12 school aims to integrate First Nation and Métis culture and language with Alberta’s public school curriculum, creating an inclusive learning environment for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.

At the school’s grand opening ceremony, Bearhead emphasized the importance of the location. Drayton Valley is situated within a significant area for various First Nation and Métis communities. “People say, ‘Why Drayton Valley? There’s not a reserve close by.’ They miss the point that reserves are government-imposed boundaries,” she stated. “This is the traditional territory of the Cree, Nakota, and Salteaux. It’s Métis homeland.”

The Roots of Resilience Charter School seeks to provide a unique educational experience by blending Indigenous knowledge with Alberta’s standardized curriculum. Bearhead explained, “The curriculum will be the same as public schools in Alberta, but it’s the delivery that makes us different.” The school incorporates land-based and hands-on learning, along with Indigenous languages, teachings, and cultural arts.

An important aspect of the school’s philosophy is its diverse staff. Approximately half of the school’s personnel identify as Indigenous, offering students guidance and support from familiar cultural perspectives. Instead of traditional disciplinary measures, Bearhead mentioned that students could speak with Elders or Knowledge Keepers when facing challenges. “The answer is not always ‘Go to the principal’s office.’ Often the answer is, ‘Would you like to talk to an Elder?'”

The school operates without charging tuition fees. It receives funding from the provincial government and contributions from community organizations, making it accessible to families in the area. Bearhead noted that Roots of Resilience is the only publicly funded Indigenous charter school in Canada, a distinction made possible because of Alberta’s charter school provisions.

The community’s response to the school has been overwhelmingly positive. Mackayla Greenlee, a Grade 11 student, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to learn more about her Métis heritage. “It’s sentimental because my grandparents never did anything [Métis]. My mom is just learning. I’m happy that I can actually learn, explore, and discover what I can about my culture,” she said. Greenlee also hopes younger students will benefit from the immersive cultural experience that the school provides. “I wish I could do this when I was younger. It’s going to be such an amazing experience for them. They’re going to learn so much.”

The Roots of Resilience Charter School is positioned to offer a valuable educational alternative for families in Drayton Valley. By prioritizing cultural integration and community involvement, it aims to foster a deeper understanding of both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems among its students.