Education the path to future success in Kikino

Kikino Métis Settlement celebrated its 75 anniversary this summer and while infrastructure and industry are vital to the continued growth of the settlement, Kikino’s leaders say it is education and the community’s youth that hold the key to a successful future.

 “I really believe the future in our community is bright,” said Kikino’s Chair Floyd Thompson. “As leaders, we know the importance of education. There’s a quote that’s always stuck out in my mind. ‘Education is the golden key.’”

This year Kikino Elementary School also celebrated a milestone—its 25 anniversary—and school principal Laurie Thompson agrees that educating the settlement’s youth is fundamental to the community’s success.

“To continue down the road to successful self-governance, we need doctors, lawyers, teachers, garbage men. Leaders. And education is critical and foundational to that,” she said.

Kikino operated a school at its inception in 1939. But in 1963 there was a move towards centralization, and the school was closed. Students from the settlement were bussed into nearby Lac La Biche to attend classes.

Chair Thompson says that between 1964 and 1970, only two Kikino students graduated from high school. The majority dropped out in Grade 9, citing the lengthy commute and classroom bullying as factors.

So in 1989, Kikino successfully brought their school back to the settlement. A few years later the federal Aboriginal Head Start program came to the community, enhancing social, cultural and educational development for pre-school aged children. And graduation rates started to improve.

 “When we brought in Head Start, there were 15 students in the program. Thirteen of them graduated,” Floyd said. “We knew then that we were on the right track.”

Today Kikino School is home to 100 students from kindergarten to Grade 8. Kikino School is an Alberta public education institution and delivers Alberta curriculum, with cultural programs, like Métis jig and dance classes, also offered.

Five years ago, the school entered into a partnership with Cross Country Alberta to develop a nordic ski program. The intent was to teach the students the basics of cross-country skiing and to encourage time spent in nature in a bid to combat diabetes and children’s mental health concerns. According to the principal, this is just one of the many partnerships that enhances the learning experience for students at Kikino School.

“Relationships often transcend curriculum; they are just as important for success. Engaging in meaningful relationships with teachers, with students, with families, with the community,” she said.

A lot has changed over the years, from the one room schoolhouse built in 1939 by Kikino’s first families, to the lively school community that thrives in Kikino today.

“We never leave our youth out of anything,” said Chair Thompson. “When we have functions, we co-emcee with them. When we have guests, when (government) ministers come out, they give them the tours; explain our programs, our history. This way, we’re putting our future in their hands, and I can tell you I feel very comfortable doing that.”