Family is the theme of unique CBE school

The Piitoyais Family School opened in 2002 following the closure of the Plains Indian Cultural Survival High School, is the first urban school in Canada run by and for Indigenous people.

The Calgary Board of Education, together with Calgary’s urban Aboriginal community, agreed that an elementary school was needed to teach Kindergarten to Grade 6 classes through the lens of Aboriginal cultural perspectives and the unique Aboriginal experience. They conceived of Piitoyais Family School which balances a strong academic slant with language and culture and provides access to technology within a family community setting.
“More than anything, our school approaches learning holistically (body, mind, heart, spirit) and responds to the immediate needs of our students. As such, we take time to know and understand each child as an individual, their family, their culture, and their academic needs, allowing us to have a deep understanding of their strength and complexities as learners,” said Lori Pritchard, principal.

“Love,” as symbolized by the eagle and “lodge” are two key ideas embodied in the philosophy of Piitoyais Family School, named by elders Mark Wolfleg from Siksika, Russel Big Crow and Freddy Snow, Tsuu T’ina, Olive Manitopyes of the Cree Nation and John Snow of Morley. Recognizing that the school was in Blackfoot territory, it was given the name, Piitoayis, translated as “Eagle Lodge” in the Blackfoot language.  Piitoyais teaches the Alberta curriculum through the eyes of Aboriginal cultural perspectives and the unique Aboriginal experience. Open to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students, Piitoyais school is recognized as a place for students and families to gather for cultural ceremonies.
From Piitoyais’ inception in 2002, Elders and support workers taught Blackfoot and Cree, placing cultural practices at the forefront of its learning activities.

Round dances, an after school pow wow program, sage gathering and crafting regalia distinguish Piitoyais from other schools. 
Traditional smudges begin each day and classroom talking circles are incorporated into a day’s learning at Piitoyais. These activities are supported by Elders and artists who share traditional wisdom and knowledge.

Piitoyais is different from “mainstream” schools in that parents are welcomed in a Family Room where they gather to spend time with their children. The school’s unique approach enables learning experiences that give students opportunities to explore and embrace their unique identities and stories, whether Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal, says Pritchard.

Support from organizations such as the United Way and the Boys & Girls Club makes possible out-of-classroom field trips, which would otherwise be unaffordable for families. These organizations also provide a liaison to support after school activities on weekends and holidays and ensure that the students have breakfast, lunch and snacks. EducationMatters, the public school foundation, helps to fill the library, bring in artists and support language residences.

In response to growth the school has moved locations and is expanding its language teaching to include Coast Salish, Cree, Sulteaux, Mechif, reflecting the diverse languages of its students. Led by family members, the language residencies continue to deepen their involvement and contribute to the vision of Piitoyais school as a “family,” said Pritchard.