Chief Whitecap School is an energetic and thriving school in Saskatoon's Stonebridge neighbourhood. Opened in 2017, our modern facility provides a welcoming atmosphere and many specialized learning spaces.

We offer a range of programs to serve our students, including:

• Childcare options including Before and After School Care, an Early Learning Centre, and KinderCare
• A Hockey Academy in partnership with Trach Power Skating & Skills, which gives athletes a chance to practice skills and gain ice time with an adjusted class schedule, all while following the Saskatchewan curriculum
• A full-day, alternating day Kindergarten program
• A dedicated Dakota Culture Room
• Numerous extracurriculars and opportunities for students to expand skills in academics, athletics, creative skills, and more.

We view student success as a partnership between students, their families, and our school staff. We work collaboratively to create an environment that prioritizes respect, well-being, and excellence in all areas.

Whitecap Dakota Alliance

We are proud partners in an educational partnership between Saskatoon Public Schools and Whitecap Dakota Nation. Students from the First Nation attend Chief Whitecap School from Grades 5-8. As part of this partnership, the federal government provided $2.7 million in funding to support additional space and amenities as part of the construction of Chief Whitecap School.

Our Namesake: Chief Whitecap

Our school is named for Chief Whitecap (Wapaha Ska) who is recognized as a co-founder of the City of Saskatoon, and a strong influence in building important relationships between the Dakota people and the European settlers.

The traditional territory of the Dakota people includes parts of Canada and the U.S. In the early 1860s, many Dakota decided to permanently move north to avoid conflict and live in peace. Led by chiefs Whitecap, Standing Buffalo and Littlecrow, the Dakota followed trade routes into their northern territories. Chief Whitecap established his community along the South Saskatchewan River.

By 1879, Chief Whitecap and his people were settled on reserve lands located approximately 26 kilometres south of present-day Saskatoon, where the Whitecap Dakota people established friendships and alliances with the region's Métis and settler communities. In 1882, Chief Whitecap advised John Lake on the best location along the South Saskatchewan River for the establishment of Lake's temperance colony that would grow to become Saskatoon.

During the Riel Resistance of 1885, Chief Whitecap ensured that the young community of Saskatoon was protected. He, along with members of his community, travelled with the Métis to Batoche in order to provide guidance. Although he was arrested for treason, Chief Whitecap was acquitted based in part on settler testimony that he had always been honest and loyal to the Crown.

Chief Whitecap, who died in 1889, created a bond between the people of the Dakota First Nation and neighbouring communities.

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