Foothills School Division supports Aboriginal students and families as they work to balance and maintain a strong link between culture and heritage with the learning of skills necessary to live in today's society.

In Foothills School Divison, we enhance the educational experiences of all our learners. Our teachers and schools strive to be culturally responsive to our First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) learners. We liaise between community and school to support strategies that encourage a successful school experience.

Foothills School Division supports:

• The embedded delivery of cultural components in the context of instructional programs;
• The provision of academic support, as required, to all Aboriginal learners;
• The provision of instructional programs on Aboriginal history, traditions, art, beliefs and contemporary issues;
• Consultation regarding Aboriginal issues;
• The provision of direct support to school administrators regarding the needs of Aboriginal learners.

Foothills School Division follows and responds to Alberta Education's current and recent work toward enhancing the well-being and educational opportunities of FNMI peoples in the province. Like the Ministry, Foothills School Division is committed to ensuring that the life-long learning aspirations and potential of FNMI individuals and communities are realized through a responsive and accountable education system.

Alberta Education will continue to review its document "FNMI Education Policy Framework", to identify what has been achieved to date, which areas of FNMI education may need to be strengthened and set strategic priorities for FNMI education throughout all school divisions.

For all inquiries, please contact the Curriculum Facilitator for Foothills' Aboriginal Education Program.

The following link brings us to terminology intended to provide an understanding of some terms generally used by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). The list focuses on some of the important aspects of the relationship between INAC and the people it serves - First Nations, Inuit and Northerners. Please visit: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ap/tln-eng.asp.