The students begin every day with a Cree language lesson. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Reconciliation

‘I think it’s transformational’: Cree program evolves at Prince Albert school

Sep 17, 2025 | 10:14 AM

A Cree language program at John Diefenbaker school in Prince Albert is continuing to grow and evolve.

When the program was first introduced in 2020, it was offered only to Kindergarten students and the following year to Grade 1.

It’s now available to students up to Grade 5 and, thanks to the work of two Cree language support coaches, has been integrated into subjects such as math and science.

Facilitator Orlanda Flett feels very proud of the work that’s been done and noted schools have not traditionally been a place where all students feel welcome.

“We need to inspire our families, we need to inspire our students to want to be at this school and to want to come here everyday and know they are not just going to be learning their ABC’s, they are here to learn their language and who they are,” she said.

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

12 Best Tips to Spend Less at Christmas

Nov 18, 2025

Cybercrime response

Prince Albert Police Service 'limited in scope' to properly investigate fraud crimes

Nov 17, 2025

Flett recalled meeting a new family that came to the school this year and was taken aback by the Cree signage at the front entrance and the cultural paintings.

“You could just see in her eyes, you could hear in her voice how excited she was,” she said.

In addition to the integrated lessons in the classroom, students are also exposed to land based teachings and have participated in moose hunts. They are then show how to cut it up and as part of their regular science lesson learn to identify the various parts.

Lori McCauley, another Cree language coach, noted going forward community will be very important and will essentially guide the ship. This will include an upcoming assessment survey where parents will be asked what they like or want offered in the program.

“Without community, we don’t have a Cree langauge program,” she said.

Noting the work they do in the classroom, McCauley said that includes a morning meeting where students say a prayer and recite the days of the week in Cree.

Principal Jenna Cross explained one of the challenges they face is working in a school system traditionally designed by the western way of thinking.

“You know we have minutes in the curriculum we have to adhere to from the ministry and we have to have a certain number of subject areas that have to be done,” she explained.

Cross noted it was the vision of late educator Victor Thunderchild to have Cree incorporated into all grades.

“I think it’s important Sask Rivers puts resources into it to figure this out,” she said.

“I can’t wait see where we go. I think it’s transformational,” she said.

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell