First Nation Collegiate

Welcome

KAPAWE’NO FIRST NATION COLLEGIATE

Knowledge Ever Increasing

Who We Are

Under the Kapawe’no First Nation Lifelong Learning, the Kapawe’no First Nation Collegiate comprises four pillar schools and is accredited in both nêhiyawak pîmachîmowîn (way of life) and western studies Through Alberta Education. Our programs emphasize nêhiyawêwin (Cree Language), isihcikewin (to know for yourself), as well as arts, sciences, music, sports, LAWF and nêhiyawak pîmachîmowîn.

Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, we enhance the technological advancements of our pillar schools both in person and virtual learning: Kapawe’no Nêhiyawak School (K-7), Buffalo Bay Academy (8-12), Kaskapatew Pekiskwewin – First Nation Virtual Learning Centre (FNVLC), Kapawe’no Kaskitayanih (Ka Skih Tah Ya Nih) and(Outreach/Adult Learning).

Alberta Education School Number S.2351 / S.0368

Location

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Nestled within the ancestral lands of the Kapawe’no First Nation, the Kapawe’no First Nation Collegiate’s main and ancillary buildings stand alongside Buffalo Bay, connecting the waters of Lesser Slave Lake with buffalo bay, located 29 km from High Prairie. The Trans Canada Trail traverses our territory between the lake and the Nation. The area served as a meeting place for our ancestors for hundreds.

kiskêyihtamowin wîhkâc yahki – Knowledge Ever Increasing

Mission: To enrich learning rooted in kiskêyihtamowin wîhkâc yahki

blending ancestral Iyînîsîwin with academics And athletics.

Vision: Fostering a learning environment with ancestral Iyînîsîwin and contemporary knowledge to face and shape tomorrow’s challenges.

Governance

Functioning under the Kapawe’no First Nation’s Hereditary Chief Sydney L Halcrow and Lifetime Councillor Debbie Chalifoux and Councillor Pam Halcrow, we share governance principles under Lifelong Learning in the Nation, ensuring alignment and maintaining our own distinctive role in higher learning.

Curriculum

Our accredited programs seamlessly integrate nêhiyawak studies with core academic subjects to foster student success.

Fully accredited courses meeting Alberta’s academic standards
Unique Nêhiyawak/Indigenous studies program
Dynamic learning experiences to enhance numeracy and literacy
Empowering students in reading, writing, and math
Golden Thread course covering social studies and ancestral history
Comprehensive curriculum including science, health, and core subjects

Innovative Curriculum Elements

Iyinisiwin Circles: Interactive dialogue sessions where students, educators, and Elders share knowledge.
Nehiyawak Exchange Program: An extension of cultural, athletics and pîmachîhowîn exchange initiative, now at the collegiate level.

Admissions

Admission processes are holistic, considering applicants’ academic and cultural contributions. They are also in line with the open and inclusive admissions policy at Kapawe’no First Nation Collegiate.

When you sign up with us, we ask you to sign a commitment declaration for the entire year. This reflects our dedication to your learning and growth at all levels.

Our Pillar Schools

Our pillar schools adhere to Alberta Education’s guidelines for instructional hours, ensuring a minimum of 950 hours for elementary and junior high student instruction and 1000 hours of instruction for high school. Our flexible school timetable allows for academics and athletics, participation in activities on the land, engage in nêhiyawêwin ekwa nêhiyawak pîmachîmowîn.

Our following schools are:

Kapawe’no Nêhiyawak School – K-7 (KNS) Number S.2351
Buffalo Bay Academy – 8-12 Number S.2351
Kaskapatew Pekiskwewin – First Nation Virtual Learning Centre (FNVLC) Number S.0368
Kapawe’no Kaskitayanih-Ka Skih Tah Ya Nih (Outreach / Adult Learning) Number S.0368
Kapawe’no College Number S.0368

Kapawe’no Nêhiyawak School (KNS) Grades K-7

Alberta Education Number S.2351

Our approach, a fusion of tangible tradition and ethereal possibilities, offers qualitative experiences unmatched in Turtle Island (Canada). At the forefront of curriculum and instructional design, we take immense pride in our academically rigorous program, deeply infused with nêhiyawak pîmachîmowîn and encompassing nêhiyawêwin, French and English languages.

We serve as a lighthouse for in-person learning. Our contemporary school, spanning Grade K-7, is nestled on the shores of buffalo bay in the Hamlet of Grouard, Alberta and Kapawe’no First Nation.

Sakamoostos Wasaw – Buffalo Bay Academy – Grades 8-12

Alberta Education Number S.2351

Sakamoostos Wasaw (Buffalo Bay Academy), is a Grade 8-12 school that is part of the Kapawe’no First Nation Collegiate. We offer technology enhanced classrooms to support both traditional and new methods of teaching, offering students a unique blend of nêhiyawak pîmachîmowîn. This blend incorporates academics with Arts, Music, Sports, and LAWF teachings through full accreditation by our sovereign ways, Alberta and our Elder Knowledge Keepers accreditation.

We have two streams in our academy and they are our Grades 8-9 Junior High and 10-12 High School through in person and hybrid learning.

Kaskapatew Pekiskwewin – First Nation Virtual Learning Centre

Alberta Education Number S.0368

Since its founding on April 1st, 2021, the First Nation Virtual Learning Centre (FNVLC) – Kaskapatew Pekiskwewin has been dedicated to providing transformative education for Grades 7-12, blending ancestral wisdom with modern academics. Now, with our new partnership with SCcyber, we offer three distinct pathways to meet the diverse needs of our students.

Kapawe’no Ka Skih Tah Ya Nih (Outreach / Adult Learning)

Number S.0368

The Ka Skih Tah Ya Nih program at Kapawe’no First Nation offers flexible learning options for students seeking alternatives to traditional classroom settings. It features two streams: in-person and virtual independent learning.

This program provides personalized and supportive education tailored to diverse student needs. If you face challenges with coping skills, attendance, or learning, this program can help you achieve your Junior High grades and high school credits. For High School programming, students can choose between the ‘academic/practical stream’ and the ‘knowledge and employability stream’ to suit their goals.

Lifelong Learning Philosophy

Kiskêyihtamowin wîhkâc yahki “Knowledge Ever Increasing” philosophy embodies the harmonious blend of nêhiyawak pîmachîmowîn and modern pedagogy.

We extend by incorporating our 7 Sacred Grandmother / Grandfather teachings, Elders Knowledge Council involvement and use Lateral Kindness with enriching the academic environment with collaborative and wisdom-based learning.

Our 7 Sacred Grandmother / Grandfather teachings are; Sakihitowin (Love), Manacihtowin (respect), Sohkitehewin (Courage), Kwayaskitatsowin (Honesty), Iyinisiwin(Wisdom) Tapahteyimisowin (Humility) and Tapwewin (Truth).

Our Special Academies

Our Specialized Academy’s mission is that we are committed to joint empowerment of our students for Lifelong Learning success by offering a comprehensive curriculum enriched with the wisdom of our nêhiyawak pîmachîmowîn.

Arts Academy
Music Academy
Sports Academy
LAWF Land, Air, Water, Fire)
Learning Nehiyawewin
Nehiyawak Pimachimowin – Cree way of Life

Sports Academy

At our Sports Academy, students excel at competitive (Grades 8-12) and developmental (Grades K-7) levels by balancing academics with a variety of athletic activities. This dual commitment promotes growth, teamwork, and discipline. Participation in sports enhances focus and physical fitness while fostering valuable life skills through the STEPS program. Our programs teach students the importance of self-belief, hard work, collaboration, and resilience, preparing them for future challenges both in and out of school.

Pimotatowin – Archery
Pakahatowin – Baseball
Muskimut Pakahatowan – Basketball
Pakamatohowin – Boxing
Pakamapiswewin – Golf
Miskwami Mitawiwin – Hockey
Kwaskwaskinatowew – Lacrosse
Mitawewin – Soccer
Eta Kapimpatak – Track & Field
Kwaskwitowan kapakamahoht – Volleyball

Highlighting some of our sports

Archery (Pimotatowin) – Archery is a fun, educational, and traditional activity for our students. This all-inclusive sport enhances muscle endurance, flexibility, hand-eye coordination, and strength. Beyond physical skills, archery teaches discipline, respect, and self-control, qualities that carry over into students’ attitudes, work habits, and other school activities.

Boxing (Pakamatohkewin) – Our youth boxing program provides a safe and enjoyable outlet for students to engage in physical activity. Boxing imparts essential lessons in dedication and discipline, helping students channel their energy productively while fostering focus, coordination, and respect.

Hockey (Miskwami Mitawiwin) – Our students participate in Canada’s national sport, hockey, through weekly on-ice and off-ice development sessions for all skill levels. Experienced teacher-coaches guide their progress, fostering physical activity, health, confidence, and teamwork. This year, we join the new NAHL with traveling U13, U15, and U18 teams, while younger grades focus on skill development in our hockey program.

Lacrosse (Metawewin) – Our Lacrosse Program instills character both on and off the field. It empowers students to set personal goals and teaches both the traditional and modern versions of the game. The traditional form serves as a healing and spiritual experience, nurturing mental strength and challenging students to become better versions of themselves.

Land, Air, Water and Fire

Our Learning through LAWF (Land, Air, Water and Fire) and nêhiyawak pîmachîmowîn offers a unique opportunity to connect with traditional nêhiyawak skills in the environment itself. Students learn valuable hands-on skills such as medicine picking, fire-building, shelter construction, ice-fishing, land navigation, archery, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, wilderness first-aid, team-building, firearm safety, and survival skills.