Our Specialized Academies
Our Specialized Academies
At Kapawe’no First Nation, we are delighted to introduce our specialized academies. Comprising four distinct academies – Arts, Music, Sports, and LAWF (Land, Air, Water, Fire). Under our First Nation Collegiate operated through our Kapawe’no Nêhiyawak School (K-7) and Buffalo Bay Academy (Grade 8-12) embodies our vision of nurturing holistic education, allowing our students to thrive as Nêhiyawak individuals.
We envision our academies under our Kapawe’no Nêhiyawak School and Buffalo Bay Academy as a beam of holistic learning, where the boundless potential of each student is ignited through a harmonious blend of arts, music, sports, and LAWF interactions. Our goal is to provide a well-rounded education that transcends the conventional boundaries of academia, fostering balance in the lives of our students as they embrace their identity as Nêhiyawak people.
Our Academy’s mission is that we are committed to joint empowerment of our students for lifelong success by offering a comprehensive curriculum enriched with the wisdom of our Nêhiyawak way of life. Our dedicated teachers and instructors serve as mentors, guiding students on their journey towards advanced learning. We believe that the fusion of traditional values with modern knowledge equips our students with the tools they need to excel academically, culturally, and personally.
Through our academies, we aspire to cultivate well-rounded individuals who not only achieve academic excellence but also carry forward the rich cultural balance of the Nêhiyawak people. Our commitment to holistic education extends beyond the classroom, preparing our students for a fulfilling and balanced life enriched by arts, music, sports, and a deep connection to the land.
Our Specialized Academies
At Kapawe’no First Nation Collegiate, our commitment to the Arts Academy is a testament to our dedication to cultural preservation and artistic innovation. Our comprehensive Nêhiyawak Arts Program transcends the boundaries of time and tradition, skillfully weaving the threads of ancestral indigenous artistic practices into the vibrant tapestry of contemporary expression. This unique program serves as a bridge, connecting our students to their cultural roots while equipping them with the tools to navigate the ever-evolving world of art.
Our Arts Academy stands as a beacon of empowerment, nurturing the artistic spirit within each student. Through a curriculum rich in tradition, students explore the intricate beauty of beadwork, quillwork, and traditional painting techniques, forging a deep connection to their Nêhiyawak way of life. Simultaneously, we encourage them to spread their creative wings into the modern artistic landscape, embracing painting, sculpture, digital art, and more. In this environment of cultural immersion and artistic exploration, our students not only become skilled artists but also passionate advocates for the enduring legacy of First Nation arts.
The program at KFN Collegiate harmoniously blends traditional drumming and Nêhiyawak music traditions with contemporary wind, brass, and percussion instruments. This fusion creates a vibrant and culturally immersive musical journey, paying homage to our community’s heritage while embracing modern musical elements.
Our Music program is committed to providing students with diverse learning and performance prospects, including participation in sports games, festivals, and other events that spotlight their musical talents and foster teamwork skills.
The introduction of top-notch wind, brass, and percussion instruments marks an exhilarating milestone. Our vision to unite traditional drumming and Nêhiyawak music practices with modern instruments presents an exclusive opportunity for our students to explore their rich cultural heritage alongside contemporary musical expressions.
Welcome to our Metawewin (Sports) Academy – a place where tradition meets excellence and every moment is an opportunity to be great and punctual.
Pimotatowin – Archery
Delve into the world of archery, a blend of fun, education, and tradition at our school. This sport is not just about arrows and targets; it’s a journey through muscle endurance, flexibility, and the sharpening of mental faculties like discipline and respect. Our students find a new perspective in every shot, learning life skills that extend beyond the archery range.
Pakamatohkewin – Boxing
The boxing ring at our school is more than a space for physical exercise. It’s a realm where dedication meets discipline. Our youth boxing program offers a constructive way to channel energy, teaching focus and coordination while nurturing an environment of respect.
Miskwami Mitawiwin – Hockey
Embrace the thrill and teamwork of hockey, our nation’s beloved sport. Our students, equipped with gear from Sports Central, Edmonton, experience the excitement of both on- and off-ice play. From beginners to those progressing in minor hockey, we foster health, confidence, and cooperation, guided by our skilled teacher-coaches.
Kwaskwaskinatowew – Lacrosse
Our Lacrosse Program is a testament to the power of sport in shaping character. Students learn not just the game but also life lessons, engaging with both traditional and modern forms. The traditional aspect of Lacrosse is a spiritual journey, enriching mental strength and self-improvement.
Join us at the Kapawe’no Nêhiyawak Sports Academy, where we don’t just play sports – we live a legacy of physical prowess, mental strength, and cultural richness.
Our “Learning through LAWF” program at KFN Collegiate offers a unique opportunity to connect with traditional Nêhiyawak skills in the environment itself. Students learn valuable hands on skills such as fire-building, shelter construction, ice-fishing, land navigation, archery, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, wilderness first-aid, team-building, firearm safety, and survival skills.
Students also have the privilege of learning from our local traditional knowledge keepers who guide their journey in connecting with the land. Exciting activities and field trips await, including our outdoors canoe/kayak and snowshoe clubs at the school! This exploring our land learning is vital for our Nêhiyawak youth to deepen their cultural connection. Mother Earth imparts lessons in balance and high-level education.
