Iinii Insights 

Honouring Indigenous Veterans 

November 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day, a time to honour the courage, service, and sacrifices of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit veterans, past and present. This day recognizes the significant contributions of Indigenous members who have served, and continue to serve, in the Canadian Armed Forces. It is estimated that more than 12,000 Indigenous men and women have served our country. 

Indigenous Veterans Day began in Winnipeg on November 8, 1994, as a way to honour these contributions. Remarkably, it was not until 1995 that Indigenous veterans were first permitted to lay a wreath at the National War Memorial. The generous and selfless spirit of Indigenous Peoples extends far beyond military service, reflecting a deep commitment to community, nation, and future generations. 

Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae wrote In Flanders Fields in 1915. His words captured the grief, courage, and hope experienced during the First World War and continue to resonate across cultures, generations, and languages more than a century later. Families are encouraged to explore this iconic poem translated into several Indigenous languages spoken across Turtle Island: In Flanders Fields: One Poem, Many Voices at Veterans Affairs Canada. 

Together, we remember, reflect, and honour those who have served.  

At NLC this Week 

Nutrition Plan 

Honouring Indigenous Veterans Through Learning, Reflection, and Gratitude 

This year, our school community will honour Indigenous Veterans and observe Remembrance Day through classroom learning, reflection, and a school-wide two minutes of silence.

Students will deepen their understanding of the contributions, courage, and sacrifices of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Veterans while exploring the significance of remembrance in Canada.

As part of this learning, students will create cards to be shared with local Indigenous communities. Each card will include a heartfelt message and may also feature drawings, words of thanks, or greetings in an Indigenous language or the language of the community receiving the cards.

Through this meaningful act of appreciation, students will have an opportunity to express gratitude, reflect on the importance of remembrance, and recognize the service and sacrifices of Indigenous Veterans, helping to ensure their stories and contributions are remembered and honoured.

Rock Your Mocs Day | November 9-10 

Niitsitapi Learning Centre is excited to celebrate Rock Your Mocs Day on November 9 & 10. This special day is an opportunity to honour Indigenous culture, identity, and pride. 

We invite students, staff, and families to join us in celebrating the rich cultures, traditions, and stories that moccasins represent. Together, we will walk proudly and recognize the strength and beauty of Indigenous Peoples and communities. 
For more information about Rock Your Mocs, visit the Rock Your Mocs website.

Rock your mocs and celebrate with us! 🧡 

Fall Break Reminder 

To help families plan ahead, please note that Niitsitapi Learning Centre will be closed for Fall Break from November 11-13. Students, teachers, and staff will return on Monday, November 16. 

During Fall Break, we encourage families to: 

• Take time to slow down and enjoy the change of seasons. 
• Connect with the land and listen to the stories shared by the wind and Mother Earth. 
• Spend time with family members and Elders, sharing laughter, food, stories, and teachings. 
• Explore creative activities or moments of reflection that honour who you are and where you come from. 
• Prioritize rest, wellness, and meaningful connections with loved ones. 

We wish all of our students and families a warm, restful, and enjoyable Fall Break when it arrives. 

Welcoming Sage Romero and Caitlin Ashmore to Niitsitapi Learning Centre 

On Monday, November 23, Sage Andrew Romero and Caitlin Ashmore will join us at Niitsitapi Learning Centre for a special day of learning, culture, and connection.  

An internationally recognized hoop dancer, filmmaker, artist, musician, author, and cultural educator, Sage Andrew Romero is a member of the Tuah-Tahi (Taos Pueblo) and Tovowahamatu Numu (Big Pine Paiute) Nations. Through movement, storytelling, and cultural teachings, he helps audiences learn about Indigenous traditions, identity, wellness, and community. 

Joining Sage is Caitlin Ashmore, a Diné educator, dancer, and artist who has shared Indigenous culture and teachings with communities across California and Hawaii. Caitlin brings her experience as a hoop dancer, jingle dress dancer, educator, and beadwork artist to help create meaningful learning opportunities for students.  

Together, they work with the nonprofit AkaMya Culture Group, an organization dedicated to cultural revitalization, youth mentorship, wellness, and Indigenous arts. 

We are grateful to the University of Calgary School of Creative and Performing Arts and the Movement Research Festival (MoRF) for making this experience possible. Families are warmly invited to attend a special afternoon performance on November 23 beginning at 1:00 p.m., with doors opening at 12:45 p.m. Please save the date and watch for more details to come. 

We look forward to learning together in a good way. 🧡 

Mark Your Calendars | Student Learning Conferences  

Student Learning Conferences are an important opportunity for families and teachers to connect, celebrate learning, and discuss next steps to support student growth and success. We look forward to sharing your child's progress and learning journey with you.  

Conference Details  

• Conference bookings will be made through the MyCBE Parent Portal. 
• Booking opens on November 18. 
• All conferences will be held in person at Niitsitapi Learning Centre. 
• Each conference will be 10 minutes in length. 

Conference Date |  Friday, November 27 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  

We look forward to meeting with you, celebrating your child's learning and achievements, and continuing our partnership in support of their success. 🧡 

Need Help with Your MyCBE Account?  

MyCBE provides families with access to important student information, conference booking, and other school services. We encourage all families to ensure they can access their MyCBE account, as it is an important communication and information tool throughout the school year.  

If you are having trouble signing in, need to create an account, or require a password reset, please contact the school office at 403-817-3404. 

Elbow River Healing Lodge Wellness Clinic at NLC 

If your family does not have a physician or pediatrician, support is available right here at school.  

Niitsitapi Learning Centre, in partnership with Primary Care Alberta and Elbow River Healing Lodge, offers an on-site Wellness Clinic for students, parents, and extended family members. A physician is available weekly by appointment in a welcoming environment that respects and honours Indigenous cultures, identities, and approaches to wellness.  

Through the support of community partners and funders, including The Calgary Foundation and Education Matters, the clinic helps improve access to health services and supports health promotion, prevention, screening, and early intervention for Indigenous students and families.   

To book an appointment, please contact Elbow River Healing Lodge at 403-955-6600.  

Indigenous Family Resource Guide   

The Calgary Board of Education has developed an Indigenous Family Resource Guide to help connect families with a variety of supports, programs, and community resources. The guide includes information about local services, cultural opportunities, family supports, and wellness resources that celebrate and strengthen Indigenous identity, belonging, and connection.   

Families are encouraged to explore the guide to learn more about the many resources available throughout our community. Access the guide here: Indigenous Family Resource Guide.