Piitoayis Family School, Calgary, AB

Piitoayis Family School (Est. 2002) is a Kindergarten to Grade 6 Program of Choice that teaches the Alberta Education Programs of Study through a diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives and experiences. Our name, Piitoayis (Eagle Lodge) recognizes the spiritual significance of the “eagle” to Indigenous people as a symbol of love, and “lodge” recognizes the school as a gathering place. Our school is open to all learners in Grades K-6 who want to learn through Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing.At Piitoayis Family School we strive to honour the traditional teachings and oral practices of the Blackfoot Nations and all other Indigenous peoples who make their home in Southern Alberta. Our year-long focus (2017/2018) will emphasis four core Blackfoot values and belief systems including spirituality (ceremony), kindness to others, to be aware of your environment, to be observant, and being able to take on tasks independently. We will honour the rich and diverse Indigenous protocols, practices, and processes of all Indigenous peoples represented by our staff and students.