08/01/2026
The Master of Education cohort, specializing in Leadership in Métis Education, concluded their Summer courses with a weeklong intensive of EDU 597: Métis Foundational Knowledge for Teachers and School Leaders.
Over five days at the University of Alberta Faculty of Education, the cohort explored the five Métis Foundational Knowledge Themes developed by Rupertsland Institute: Métis Centre of Excellence: Languages of Métis, Métis Culture and Traditions, Homeland History, Métis in Alberta, and Métis Nation Governance. Together, these themes provided a foundation for exploring Métis histories and contemporary realities, as well as the role of educators and school leaders in representing these perspectives within K-12 education.
We extend our gratitude to Leanne Traverse and Holly Brandsma, whose partnership shaped this course. As a teaching team, they braided their lived experiences, community knowledge, and academic scholarship together to create a learning environment that was academically rigorous and relationally grounded. Throughout the week, they encouraged participants to engage with complex ideas, ask difficult questions, and remain open to continued learning.
Students also had the opportunity to learn from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, and scholars. Each person's contribution reminded us that Métis foundational knowledge cannot be reduced to a single voice. We have a responsibility to listen carefully to different perspectives, ask thoughtful questions, and remain open to the complexity of Métis experiences.
We are grateful to Elder Judy Letendre, who began the week by welcoming the cohort with teachings on the Languages of Métis theme. Judy reminded us that language carries spirit and memory. Her teachings invited participants to think honestly about their own language journeys and the responsibility to keep language alive, even when the road ahead feels long.
A heartfelt thank you to Natalie Pepin (from Meeting My Ancestors) for sharing teachings about the Métis fire bag and inviting the cohort to reflect on what they hope to create, gather, and carry forward in their own bundles as educators and leaders. Her visit encouraged each participant to consider the gifts they've received and the responsibilities they carry.
Our sincere thanks to Elders Maryann Stepien and Kelsey Landry, who joined the cohort during the Métis in Alberta theme. Drawing on their lived experiences, they spoke about representation, advocacy, and justice for Métis people, and shared what these commitments look like in their communities and in schools. Their reflections helped the cohort consider how these responsibilities show up in their roles as educators.
We were also fortunate to learn from Jean Teillet, who joined us virtually and shared her extensive knowledge of Métis history and the legal and political developments shaping the Métis Nation today. She brought clarity to complex issues without minimizing their significance or impact. Her session encouraged students to examine the context behind current conversations, think critically about the issues being discussed, and recognize how the past continues to shape the present.
And last, but certainly not least, a big thank you to Dan Cardinal, who guided the cohort through conversations on Métis Nation Governance. Drawing on his experience as Vice President of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Dan offered valuable insight into the realities and intricacies of governance, leadership, and decision-making. He prompted participants to think critically about nationhood, self-determination, and citizenship, while considering how these issues continue to shape Métis communities and institutions.
We also want to acknowledge the commitment and intention that cohort members brought to this course. Leadership is not about having all the answers, and it was encouraging to see each of you engage thoughtfully with the content, instructors, guests, and one another. As you continue through the program, accountability will remain an important part of the community you are building, alongside the humility to keep listening, reflecting, and growing. We look forward to seeing how these experiences influence and inform your work in schools.
As the first cohort continues its journey, we also look forward to welcoming a second group of Métis educators in January 2027. Together, these two cohorts form a limited initiative designed to strengthen Métis leadership in K-12 education. While there are currently no plans for additional intakes, we are excited to see what possibilities emerge from these two cohorts.
To learn more or register for our information session on September 1 at 7:00 p.m., please visit http://uab.ca/mesmetis.
marrsî. kinanâskomitinâwaw. Thank you. ❤️
