Students lead land acknowledgements at Red Deer Public Board Meetings

A meaningful initiative at Red Deer Public’s Board Meetings is giving students from Central Middle School the opportunity to honour Indigenous relations while deepening their own learning about Truth and Reconciliation.

Each month, Central students attend the Board Meeting to read the Division’s land acknowledgement. Over time, the practice has evolved to include students creating and sharing their own acknowledgments, with guidance from their teacher. Now, in its second year, the initiative is not only continuing, but it’s also growing. Some of last year’s Grade 8 students, who now attend Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School, are returning to mentor current Central students in writing their own land acknowledgements based on what they learned, while being guided by their teacher.

“This has been such a powerful learning experience for our students,” said Savannah Kushniruk, Teacher at Central Middle School. “At first, they were a little nervous just to read the official acknowledgement, but then they began to ask questions and wanted to understand the meaning behind the words. Writing their own acknowledgements gives them ownership and helps them connect personally to the land and to the history we’re recognizing. And attending the Board Meeting each month is something they really looked forward to."

Kushniruk added she has not guided the students alone. Last year, students were invited to the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery (The MAG) to deepen their understanding of the land acknowledgment. The Museum played an important community role in educating students in creating their unique land acknowledgment.

Hayley Christen, the Division’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit Learning Services Coordinator, says the initiative is a meaningful example of reconciliation in action. “Land acknowledgements are not just the words we say, they are a commitment to understanding, respect and ongoing learning,” she said. “Seeing students take the time to explore what reconciliation means to them, and then put that into their own words, shows the depth of understanding that is possible when we empower young people.”

The Board of Trustees has welcomed the initiative, seeing it as a way to honour Indigenous ways of knowing and supporting student voices at the governance table.

“Every month, our students remind us that reconciliation is a journey,” said Savannah. “They’re building an understanding that will stay with them long after middle school, and we’re so proud to see our students take the lead.”

As the initiative continues, more students will have the opportunity to contribute, ensuring that the practice of land acknowledgement remains meaningful at Red Deer Public.