First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Unit
The First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education Unit provides support to our staff, students and parents in five key areas:
- Inclusion of First Nations, Métis and Inuit content into all curricula at all grade levels.
- Cultural awareness training to promote positive cross-cultural understandings.
- Encouragement of authentic community engagement from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.
- Fostering of partnerships with community organizations to support the holistic, culturally-inclusive education of our students.
- Support for students as they transition from home to school, rural to urban, elementary to secondary and secondary to work or further education.
Orange Shirt Design
A new Saskatoon Public Schools Orange Shirt Day design is available for SPS students, families, and staff in time for September 30, 2026.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, held in honour of Survivors and those impacted by residential schools, is September 30. As there is no school on Sept. 30, the day will be recognized by our division and in schools, during the 2026-27 school year, on Sept. 29.
Between July 15 and August 10, 2026, local artists were invited to submit designs for a new SPS Orange Shirt. The selected design is by Lyndon Linklater Jr., an Indigenous artist based in Saskatoon. The design illustrates the strength of Survivors, the wisdom of Elders, and the responsibility we all share in passing knowledge to future generations.
View the design, learn more about its significance, and place an order by clicking here.
To ensure you receive your apparel on time, order on or before September 13.
Indigenous Advisory Committee
The Indigenous Advisory Committee was established in June 2024 to provide advice and guidance to Saskatoon Public Schools’ Board of Education.
Through their knowledge, experience and perspectives, committee members help ensure the voices and interests of Indigenous peoples are reflected in the division’s practices, policies, and initiatives. Their work supports the division’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous education, reconciliation, and stronger relationships with Indigenous students, families, and communities.
The committee consists of:
- Wilfred Burton: Mr. Burton is a proud Michif man originally from Midnight Lake, Saskatchewan. A retired educator, he has teaching experience spanning elementary through post-secondary education. He holds undergraduate degrees in Education and the Arts, as well as a graduate degree in Education. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to preserving and sharing Michif/Métis culture through education and cultural learning.
- Evelyn Johnston: Ms. Johnston is a retired critical care nurse of Métis descent who has dedicated her life to advancing Métis culture and education. She is an active member of Métis Local 165 and the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI), where she advocates for Métis education and cultural preservation. She was instrumental in establishing an annual Michif Language Camp for educators.
- Mika Lafond: Originally from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Ms. Lafond is an educator and writer deeply rooted in Indigenous culture. She is a graduate of the Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP) and holds a Master of Fine Arts in Writing. She is a mentor and instructor in the University of Saskatchewan’s ITEP program, where she supports future educators in incorporating Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems into their teaching.
- Lyndon J. Linklater: Mr. Linklater, a member of Thunderchild First Nation (Plains Cree), is a traditional knowledge keeper and storyteller with an educational background in social work, Indigenous Studies and law. He serves as Indigenous Relations Advisor for Remai Modern, providing guidance on culturally enriching programming. He is also the longest-serving member of the Office of the Treaty Commissioner’s Speakers Bureau, a role he has held since 2000.
Response to the TRC Calls to Action
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released its Calls to Action after completing hearings into the effects of residential schools in Canada. Our duty to recognize and educate students about this difficult period in Canada’s history saw Saskatoon Public Schools engage in a collaborative consultation with key groups within the division to develop our response to the commission’s Calls to Action. The response was first adopted by the Board of Education in spring 2016. An updated version was approved by trustees in June 2020. Read more here.