New Indigenous high school teaching Cree to students opens in Edmonton — in temporary space for now
Posted September 1, 2026 9:19 am.
This week is back to school for some kids in Edmonton, and that means new classes, new supplies, and even a new high school for some.
Construction of the Rita Marten Nihiyawiwin Kiskinwamatowin High School, an Indigenous-focused high school on Whyte Avenue, should be completed by early next year.
Classrooms will look like those at Therese Tuccaro Secondary School in Fort Chipewyan, as it was the model for Edmonton’s new school.
Until the location is up running, students will learn in a temporary space on Jasper Avene.
On top of the standard Alberta curriculum, students will be taught the Cree language.
“It isn’t something that you can just get an app and then learn,” explained Paula Campbell, a Cree language and culture teacher. “Really holistically, the best way to learn it is by speaking and living it, and with support of our language speakers and our knowledge holders.”
This program, created by the Northern Alberta Mikisew Cree First Nation, aims to give students of all ages a better shot at seeing academic success with land-based learning, as well as drive up the currently low graduation rate.
Over the past seven years, the program has seen over 160 graduates on the First Nation. Those championing it now hope to extend its success into Edmonton, where most of the Band’s members live.
“The idea is not so much to take away from the rigour in the classroom,” said science teacher Clayton Castel. “It’s to substantiate it and make it concrete so that the kids can see what they’re learning is actually out there.”
The new Edmonton high school is starting out with just Grade 10 students, with plans to grow to Grade 11 and 12 over the next couple of years.
