The heart of the Sunchild First Nation community in Alberta, where young people learn, connect, and build pride in who they are.
Sunchild School is the heart of the Sunchild First Nation community in Alberta. The school is a place where young people learn, connect, and build pride in who they are.
It was built on the hopes and experiences of community leaders, parents, and Elders who wanted their children to grow strong in a school that valued their cultural heritage.
Meeting the goals of Alberta's curriculum.
The school is deeply part of the community and its traditions.
Connecting students to Nation land and the natural world.
Our Preschool to Grade 12 teachers strive to adapt Alberta curriculum to Indigenous history, Indigenous beliefs, and Indigenous ways of knowing and seeing, while meeting Alberta education standards.
This teaching is also rooted in excellence in modern teaching methods and respect for student abilities. The result is a school that is a leading example for Indigenous schools in Canada.
Each of our classroom environments instills the values of respect for community and traditions, care and gratitude, and balance with nature as well as the outside world. Our students grow with the “Foot In Two Cultures” approach, learning from the strengths of Cree wisdom and Western education together.
Sunchild School is proud to nurture confident, capable, and caring individuals who contribute to their families and community.
– Elder Mary Snow
Sunchild School was founded to give children of the Sunchild First Nation community a critical educational hub that honours their culture and traditions. During the 1990s, concerned parents of the community partnered with the education department of the Sunchild Nation Administration. They both wanted the community's children to receive high-quality education. The education had to meet students and connect with them where they were, surrounded by their community, culture, and language.
Our teachings remind every student that knowledge is a gift and responsibility. We have always stood for community strength and the right to an education that reflects Indigenous culture.
In the decades since, Sunchild School has manifested into a full K-12 hub for learning, nurturing generations of Cree families. Our school’s walls tell stories of resilience, determination, pride, and hope. Our High School graduates have grown to embrace opportunities in the Sunchild community and also in higher education in Alberta. Many of them have returned after university graduation to contribute to the Sunchild community. Today, Sunchild School continues to help, guide and inspire, remarkable youth to be the best they can be.
Sunchild School works to educate the whole student, embracing the mind, body, and spirit. Each of our lessons offer both academic skills, cultural identity and the kindness of caring. Our administration brings in health supports to our rural location for every student who needs them.
Our school’s sports and fitness programs challenge growing bodies. Also, our students learn through the Cree principle of balance: living in harmony with others, nature, and knowledge, not only at the School but also at our nearby Culture Camp.
In return, we ask students and their families to ensure a commitment to good attendance at school. Numerous studies show that students who show up and are engaged will learn better. To support learning we provide a healthy breakfast program.
Mission - Educating our children with parental involvement and community support.
Vision - To be reflective of the aspirations of the community, showing encouragement
and patience to students.
Beliefs - That every person should have the opportunity to shine, to take all their gifts and
contribute to a better self and community.
Sunchild School offers complete education from preschool (Head Start), kindergarten, elementary and junior high to senior high programs along with adult education. Students of our school:
Sunchild First Nation School consistently offers a range of activities that support learning, recreation, and cultural knowledge. Students take part in classroom sessions, sports, outdoor time, and creative projects guided by teachers who understand their needs and strengths.
Educators guide students in strengthening reading, writing, and foundational skills. Support is provided through practice activities, learning refreshers, and preparation that help students stay confident in their learning journey.
Children take part in nature walks, games, sports, and outdoor challenges that encourage movement and cooperation. Time outdoors helps students stay active, connect with the land, and build friendships through shared experiences.
Students strengthen their Cree identity through arts, crafts, storytelling, and cultural activities. These sessions bring together students, staff, Elders, and the wider community through shared learning and cultural experiences.
