New Indigenous Led K-12 charter school Opens its doors in Drayton Valley

Roots of Resilience school

A new Indigenous-led charter school has opened in central Alberta, becoming the first of its kind in Canada. Located in Drayton Valley, the Roots of Resilience Charter School welcomed more than 70 students this week.

The school will offer a blend of the provincial curriculum and First Nation and Métis culture and language. Principal and founder Charlene Bearhead says the goal is to provide a holistic education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.

Indigenous Teaching

89.3 The Raven Spoke with Charlene, and she shares more on her excitement for the future of the students, teachers, and the school’s potential.

Here, Charlene talks about why this school sticks out, what it can bring in the Future, and how Indigenous culture can be taught and shared in ways that benefit everyone.

Charlene opens up on truth & Reconciliation, and the importance of avoiding generational Ignorance.

Metis Teachings

While the curriculum follows the province’s guidelines, the delivery will be unique, incorporating land-based and hands-on learning, along with Indigenous languages and cultural arts. As a publicly funded charter school, it receives government funding and does not charge tuition fees. Alberta is the only province with legislation that allows for charter schools.

For students like Grade 11’s Mackayla Greenlee, the school is an opportunity to connect with her heritage.

For more info regarding the school click here Roots of Resilience