Robina Baker Elementary including Indigenous perspectives in their school culture

The Black Gold School Division is proud of promoting safe, caring, and inclusive schools that respect diversity and foster a sense of belonging. At Robina Baker Elementary School in Devon, staff are working to include Indigenous perspectives within their school culture.

“Once a week, the admin team runs a half-hour school-wide assembly.,” said Principal Jared Coffin. “The focus of each assembly is one of the Seven Sacred Teachings, which include respect, humility, love, truth, honesty, wisdom and courage. I’m proud to say that our students understand, recognize, and try to embody these teachings.”

It is also common practice to see teachers use lessons from the assemblies to have deeper conversations in their classrooms, he added.

Like many schools within the school division, Robina Baker hosts virtual, interactive announcements each day that include themes of diversity and inclusion. There are monthly dedicated themes, such as Indigenous History Month (June) and Black History Month (February) where staff feature short learning opportunities for students to take away. “Each Monday features local Indigenous knowledge and teachings, which acknowledges the land on which we gather to learn and grow,” said Coffin. 

Indigenous learning does not stop in the classroom. During a school professional development day, the admin team provided school staff with an opportunity to visit the new Medicine Park in the community, which was constructed by local and area Indigenous businesses. The healing grounds were a joint project between the Town of Devon and Ermineskin Cree Nation. School events such as the Terry Fox Run, Winter Walk, and Tom’s Walk have planned routes that ensure students are able to pass by or visit the Medicine Park grounds.

“At Robina Baker, each decision we make is made with learning and inclusion in mind,” said Coffin. “We openly accept each and every student, regardless of their needs and background, and have a large team supporting their learning and growth. We also trust that our families bring their children to school each day knowing they will be well supported, and we don’t take that lightly.”