Iinii Insights |
Elders have taught us that tobacco was the first plant given to the two-leggeds and is one of four traditional medicines used in Indigenous cultures. It is a gift of both reciprocity and respect. “When you use it all things begin to happen” (Northern College Indigenous Council on Education). The act of spreading tobacco on the land or the water is an offering of respect and gratitude an acknowledgement of an intimate relationship with the natural world and a request for guidance and protection. Tobacco speaks to the other plant spirits, telling them a harvest will be done in a good way and conveys a message to an Elder or Knowledge Keeper that an individual requires help, knowledge, or teachings. Tobacco can be carried in a pouch on a person, tied in a lodge, or from a branch as a form of protection. Different Nations have different protocols in their use of traditional tobacco but its importance within tradition and culture remains the same.
Click Here to listen to NLC Students sharing their Tobacco Teachings.
Nutrition Plan
MON | Non-Instructional Day, No School |
TUE | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation- No School |
WED | Breakfast: Milk, Cereal, fruit, cheese Lunch: Lasagna, veggies & fruit |
THUR | Breakfast: Muffins,Hard Boiled eggs, fruit Lunch: Soup, Toasted buns, fruit & veggies |
FRI | Breakfast: Pan Granola Bars, yogurt, fruit |
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Mon. Sept. 29 | Non-Instructional Day- No School |
Tues. Sept. 30 | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation- No School |
Wed. Oct. 1 | Regular Day of Learning |
Thurs. Oct. 2 | Regular Day of Learning |
Fri. Oct. 3 | Early Dismissal 12:00pm |
Looking Forward | 6- Ms. Kelly and Ms. Bethany Grade 1 & 2 Field Trip 7- Ms. Natalie and Ms. Nicole Grade 1 & 2 Field Trip 8- Ms. Kaitlyn’s Grade 1 & 2 Field Trip 13- Thanksgiving- No School 14- Elder Visit 20- Non- Instructional; Day- No School 28- Elder Visit 30 Celebration of Learning/ PAC Meeting
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Classroom Connection|
The Niitsitapi Learning Centre recognized National Day for Truth and Reconciliation throughout the week. Students engaged in meaningful learning that honoured the children who never returned from the residential school system, as well as its survivors, their communities, and the families who continue to endure the lasting trauma.
Students learned from the trembling aspen tree, known in Blackfoot as A’kíítoyi. Through story and song, they discovered that the aspen teaches us about respect, listening, and connection. Trembling aspens grow in clonal families, meaning they share the same roots and help each other grow. This reminded us that, just like the aspens, we all belong in our families, schools, and communities.
These teachings guided our reflections around Orange Shirt Day: every child matters, every child belongs, and every child deserves to feel the support of their community, just like the A’kíítoyi family of trees. Students also offered tobacco in a respectful way and practiced the Blackfoot teaching Kakoysin “be aware of your surroundings” as they learned to care for the land and each other.
For your Information|
Transportation
All of our buses display a sign in the window with “NLC,” our school logo, the driver’s name, and the route number for easy identification. Please take time to review BUS EXPECTATIONS with your child. Safety on the bus is a top priority and all riders have a responsibility to keep themselves and others safe.
Route updates will be visable this weekend on your parent account. Oct 1 routes times will be updated. Please check to see if your times have been effective.
For information regarding your student’s bus route, please contact DREAMS Transportation at 403-590-7433. Please call DREAMS when you are concerned with late or missing busses.
Community Resources |
Elbow River Healing Lodge
The Calgary Board of Education with Niitsitapi Learning Centre, in partnership with Alberta Health Services with Elbow River Healing Lodge has a Wellness Clinic on-site for students, parents, and extended family members. A Physician is on site in the clinic weekly for consultation by appointment.
Through the generosity of funders including The Calgary Foundation, and in partnership with Education Matters we aim to improve access, and focus on health promotion and prevention, screening, and early intervention to reduce inequity for Indigenous students and families.
Booking Information
Contact the Elbow River Healing Lodge at (403) 955-6600 to book an appointment.
Family and Caregiver Series Child & Youth Well-Being Webinar Series
The Calgary Board of Education warmly invites all parents and guardians to a free live online series focused on supporting the well-being of children and youth. Hosted by the Recovery Alberta Community Education Service (CES) Program, in partnership with local experts from Calgary, these webinars offer practical tips, guidance, and strategies you can use at home and in your community.
Check out the posters linked below for session details and to register—don’t miss this opportunity to learn and connect!
- Oct 6 – Digital Dilemma: The Impact of Screens, Social Media & Gaming
- Oct 7 – Is Your Child Struggling at School?
- Oct 8 – Level Up: Gaming & Tech’s Impact on Adolescents
- Oct 15 – Mental Health & Youth
- Oct 20 – Cyber Safety
- Oct 21 – ADHD is Awesome!
- Oct 22 – Executive Functioning for Parents
- Oct 22 – Vaping: What’s Really Going On?
- Oct 29 – Understanding Your Child’s Worries Through a Strength-Based Lens