Plans are in progress to establish a new administrative body to oversee an Indigenous high school in North Battleford, Saskatchewan.
Sākewew High School, which has been operational for nearly 25 years, currently accommodates approximately 250 students, with 60 percent residing in the urban area and the remaining 40 percent transported from surrounding First Nations communities. Notably, the school also provides Grade 12 credit classes for adult learners.
Principal Shauna Bugler estimates that between 90 to 95 percent of the student population at Sākewew High School are of First Nations or Métis descent.
On March 30, the Living Sky School Division (LSKYSD) and Light of Christ Catholic Schools (LOCCS) announced their decision to withdraw from a partnership agreement overseeing Sākewewi by June 2027. The announcement highlighted the advancements in Indigenous education, such as improved student support, programs, and community relationships, rendering the shared governance structure established in the agreement unnecessary.
Following the announcement, the school conducted an assembly involving students, staff, and parents to address the situation and provide clarity. Principal Bugler emphasized the importance of maintaining a supportive and welcoming environment for students, with a focus on integrating Indigenous culture into the curriculum and extracurricular activities.
Since 2016, Sākewew has been overseen by the Battlefords First Nations Joint Board of Education, which comprises public and Catholic school divisions, alongside the First Nations Education Authority, supported by the Battlefords Tribal Council. Plans are now underway to establish a new governing board for the school, possibly involving the First Nations Education Authority, supported by the Battlefords Tribal Council (BTC) and Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs (BATC).
The new governance board is seeking discussions with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education to establish a funding mechanism for provincial students attending Sākewew. Additionally, funding agreements with individual First Nations or the federal government will be required for on-reserve students to access the school.
Sākewew High School has been instrumental in supporting students who may have otherwise dropped out, emphasizing the critical role it plays in the education and well-being of Indigenous youth. The Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs (BATC) has expressed commitment to working collaboratively to find solutions in support of the school’s unique educational approach.
With approximately 13 months to form the new governance board and finalize funding agreements, Sākewew is navigating a crucial transition period to ensure the continuity of its educational mission.
