Iinii Insights  

The upcoming spring equinox, will indicate the beginning of a new season. Once again, Na'toosi (Grandfather Sun) and Kokomikisomm (Grandmother Moon) will share the sky equally, providing a balance of day and night. Motoyi (spring in Blackfoot) is a time of renewal and new beginnings. After a season of rest, the land comes to life with new growth, movement, and sounds. Green grass appears, the rivers thaw, beavers emerge from their winter lodges, and buffalo calves are born. For the two-leggeds, it is a time of awakening as well. Elder Casey Eagle Speaker has reminded us what a gift it is to witness life at the very beginning, to feel the energy of Na'a and come to understand her interconnectedness and our place within it. Elder Casey and Saa'kokoto have shared that in traditional Blackfoot ways, the First Thunder signals a time for sacred practices and ceremonies to begin. This initiates a time of preparation, a time of gathering when the roots, berries, and medicines provide for Niitsitapi again. 

This Week at NLC...

Nutrition Plan 

Parent Teacher Conferences- Student-Led Conferences 

Our upcoming Student-Led Conferences Friday, March 20 9:00am-12:00pm are an opportunity for students to share their learning, growth, and goals with their families.  

We look forward to welcoming you and celebrating the learning happening in our classrooms. 

Booking your conference time will be done through your MyCBE PowerSchool account. The booking system opens on Thursday, March 12. 

Word of the Week

Speech and Language Pathologist | Ms. Kailey  

Each week, we will be focusing on a new “Word of the Week” (WoW) at school to help boost language skills. The WoW will be chosen to encourage vocabulary growth, strengthen communication skills, improve grammar, and help your child increase their understanding of language. Throughout the week, we encourage you to emphasize the WoW in everyday conversations and activities at home. Families can do this by reading books and finding the WoW, playing games, or simply chatting about your child’s day together. Helping your child think about the WoW at home will make learning even more meaningful! 

Forest Lawn Hight School Student Leadership  

The Indigenous Youth Leadership and Work Experience program through the Indigenous Learning Lodge at Forest Lawn High School is excited to have the opportunity to volunteer at Niitsitapi Learning Centre once a week till June.  The Youth volunteers in gr. 11 and 12 will be supporting in game play, reading, land-based learning and art. 

Literacy Resources  

Check out the University of Florida Literacy Institute’s Parent Resource Hub! This collection of web-based language and literacy resources that can be use at home to help practice reading. https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/resources/parent/ 

Digital Citizenship

Raising Digitally Resilient Kids - The Raising Digitally Resilient Kids parent workshop outlines how parents and guardians can support children’s well-being and help them balance the risks and benefits of digital media. Based on insights from MediaSmarts’ research with youth, the workshop provides an overview of online risk categories and provides resources and essential strategies that participants can take to manage these risks.   

Spring Break: Embracing Na’a  

Spring Break: March 20-27 (Classes Resume Monday March 30, 2026) 

As Spring Break approaches, it’s the perfect time to connect with the land. This season brings new life and growth, a reminder for us to honour the land and the traditions of our ancestors. Whether you're spending time with family, engaging in community events or exploring the beauty of our surroundings, there are countless ways to make this break meaningful! 

Here are some ideas to enrich your Spring Break with indigenous values and activities: 

1. Nature Walks and Storytelling 🌳📜: Gather with family or friends and take a walk. As you explore, share stories and teachings about the plants and animals around you. 
2. Craft Day 🎨🪶: Spend a day creating crafts. Whether it's weaving, beadwork, or painting, these activities connect us.  
3. Plant 🌱🌼: Use this time to plant plants and flowers that support local wildlife. Learn about the significance of these plants and how they relate to the land we are on. (Maybe indoors to start until we are safe from the frost)  
4. Cook Meals 🍲🥙: Spend time in the kitchen preparing dishes with your family. Share recipes and stories related to the meals.  
5. Attend Community Events or Gatherings 🎉🪕: Check out local community events that are happening during Spring Break! 
6. Learn a Song or Dance 🎶👣: Dive into the rich musical traditions by learning a new song or dance. This is a fun way to connect with your roots and share joy with others. 

Capture the moments through pictures or journal entries, and when school resumes, your children may want to share their experiences and what they learned with their classmates.