Rupertsland Teaching & Learning

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. ❤️

Our hearts are full! This week, we celebrated the completion of the first course in the inaugural Master of Education in Education Studies (MES), specializing in Leadership in Métis Education!

This cohort was created to open and strengthen pathways for Métis educators to move into formal and informal leadership roles across Alberta’s K–12 education system. The program brings leadership development into relationship with Métis cultural knowledge and Michif language learning. Just as importantly, it creates a community in which Métis educators can learn alongside one another throughout the program. Our hope is that this work will increase Métis representation in school and system leadership and contribute to meaningful change for Métis students and their families.

Over four days at Métis Crossing, 24 educators who are members of the Metis Nation of Alberta learned through Michif language, stories, songs, games, sewing, visiting, and so much laughter. There was something especially meaningful about being together and giving our full attention to the learning as it unfolded. The focus was less on producing a finished product and more on listening closely, participating fully, and learning in relationship with Métis language holders, Knowledge Holders, community members, and one another. It was a beautiful way to begin their time together as a cohort.

We extend our gratitude to Sandra McLean-Davenport, whose knowledge, generosity, and commitment to Michif shaped every part of the course. Sandra worked closely with Megan Tipler to create a new graduate course grounded in Métis ways of teaching and learning. The course affirmed experiential and relational learning as rigorous graduate-level work while creating space for students to learn directly from language holders, from the land, and from one another.

Our heartfelt thanks also go to our incredible language holders and facilitators: Cheryl Devin, Maureen Belanger, Susan Sinclair, and Sydney Davenport. Each of them brought something special to the week and shared so openly with our students. Their language, stories, and ways of teaching made the course what it was.

We were also fortunate to have Colten Bear on the fiddle, along with our incredible young jigging instructors, Bella Parry and Ivy Brandsma, to bring our Métis kitchen party to life. They had everyone on their feet, trying new dances, and celebrating as a community.

We are equally grateful to RLI staff members Jory Proft, Kya Twa, Zoe Yowney, and Leanne Traverse, who did so much behind the scenes to care for the cohort and support the facilitators. They prepared materials, set up learning spaces, hauled supplies, and paid attention to all the small details that helped everyone feel welcomed. Their work could be felt throughout the entire week.

This initiative was made possible through the support of Rupertsland Institute leadership and their ongoing commitment to advancing Métis education. We are also deeply grateful for our partnership with the University of Alberta Faculty of Education, particularly Scott, Lynnell, and Rae in the Professional Learning Unit, for helping us bring this vision to life.

To our first cohort: thank you for trusting the process, embracing the discomfort of learning something new, and showing up with open hearts. We are excited to continue this journey with you.

marrsî. kinanâskomitinâwaw. Thank you. ❤️

We’re hiring!

The Teaching & Learning Team is seeking two Métis Education Consultants to expand our team, with one position based in Edmonton and one based in Calgary. These are new roles that will help grow our team’s capacity to support K-12 Métis education across Alberta.

This is a meaningful opportunity for experienced educators to support professional learning, curriculum implementation, resource development, educational partnerships, and community-informed learning experiences.

Positions may be filled through either a 12-month secondment or a salaried term contract, with the possibility of extension.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Education degree and a valid Alberta Teaching Certificate.

To learn more and apply:
Calgary: https://mna.bamboohr.com/careers/514
Edmonton: https://mna.bamboohr.com/careers/507

This past weekend, the Teaching & Learning team was pleased to participate as a partner organization at the 2026 Edmonton Regional Heritage Fair, held at the Prince of Wales Armouries.

Métis Education Consultant Nicole Polukoshko and Teaching & Learning Intern Kya Twa attended as community judges to help select the recipients of the Best Indigenous History Project award.

With nearly 175 students presenting approximately 100 projects, the fair was a wonderful celebration of student learning. We appreciated the opportunity to recognize students’ hard work.

Congratulations to all of the students who participated!

We’re hiring!

The Teaching & Learning team is recruiting two full-time Summer Students to support resource development, professional learning, community-facing events, and other initiatives.

These temporary positions run from May to August 2026 and are open to Métis students between the ages of 17-29 who are currently enrolled in full-time post-secondary studies and returning to full-time studies in September 2026.

This is a great opportunity for Métis students, especially those enrolled in a Bachelor of Education program, to gain hands-on experience in K-12 Métis education, curriculum and resource development, and professional learning.

Applications close May 8, 2026, or when suitable candidates are found.

Learn more and apply here: https://mna.bamboohr.com/careers/505

Earlier this week, members of the Rupertsland Institute Teaching & Learning team had the opportunity to attend the Supporting Indigenous Language Revitalization - SILR Gathering in Edmonton.

We were honoured to host a panel on Michif Language Education in Schools, featuring Knowledge Holders Dan Cardinal, Sandra Davenport, and Susan Sinclair, and moderated by Métis Education Consultant Leanne Traverse. The conversation offered reflections and insights into the possibilities, responsibilities, and everyday practices of bringing Michif language learning into school communities.

Our Associate Director, Megan Tipler, also joined Dr. Cindy Gaudet, Dr. Trudy Cardinal, and Angela Rancourt for a session on Storytelling with the Aunties: Celebrating Indigenous Language Revitalization Through Children’s Literature. Together, they shared stories, teachings, and perspectives on storytelling, children’s literature, and the role of aunties in nurturing language, identity, and belonging across generations.

We are grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside so many language champions, educators, Knowledge Holders, and community members committed to Indigenous language revitalization. ❤

Connect your class with career opportunities online April 29th💻

Get Ahead of Your Future (https://www.aheadofyourfuture.ca/) is a free exploration event created especially for Métis youth—designed to help students discover who they are, what drives them, and where their gifts can take them.

This is not a job fair. It’s a celebration of identity, innovation, and possibility.

Find the agenda for the day here: https://www.aheadofyourfuture.ca/events/virtual-fair

Why join us online?
🧭 Explore Careers
🎓 Access Pathways & Funding
💡 Culture & Pride
🌟 Free & Meaningful

Have your class be part of this incredible experience. Register here: https://behuman.online/invite/abcy0t4nobyg77urbt6n

This week, members of the Rupertsland Institute Teaching & Learning team were invited into several Indigenous education learning spaces across Alberta, as part of broader conversations about strengthening First Nations, Métis, and Inuit education in classrooms and school communities.

At the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS) First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education Gathering, the team began with a pre-conference day at Métis Crossing. Participants spent time learning through three place-based experiences: Walk with Rooted Relatives – Plant Walk, Vision, Hopes & Dreams Wildlife Tour, and Traditional Métis Art.

The following day, Sandra Davenport and Leanne Traverse facilitated kâwî pîkiskwâtitôywak: “speaking to one another again”, where they shared how Northern Michif language revitalization can support more meaningful approaches to reconciliation in education.

Meanwhile, Nicole Polukoshoko attended the ATA ECEC Conference 2026 and facilitated a session on Fostering Métis Identity and Belonging in Early Learning Spaces alongside fellow educator Jackie Carson. Their session focused on how Métis perspectives can be reflected accurately and respectfully in early learning environments, and shared practical strategies to support educators' daily classroom programming.

We closed the week by presenting to Calgary Board of Education staff as part of Maatoomsii Pookaiks Learning, the division’s system-wide Indigenous Education Professional Learning Day.

We are thankful for each of these opportunities to work alongside educators, administrators, and school staff who continue to make space for Métis perspectives in their classrooms and schools, and for the conversations that help move this work forward.

Calling all educators!

Do you want to learn more about Rupertsland Institute and bring in our Métis Access to Post-Secondary team into YOUR classroom?

Sign up for a classroom info session here: https://forms.gle/BhCSLf2wV78ckSX5A