On July 13, the University of Saskatchewan’s (U of S) College of Education, Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP) and Kahkewistahaw First Nation signed a MOU at the Kahkewistahaw powwow celebrations.

The MOU signing took place in Kahkewistahaw in agreement of a new ITEP program to launch in the fall. (Back Row L-R) Councillors Mike Bob, William Kaysaywaysemat and Iris Taypotat-Scribe, Associate Director ITEP, Yvette Arcand. (Front Row L-R) Director ITEP, Chris Scribe, Chief, Evan Taypotat, Dean, College of Education, Dr. Michelle Prytula. Photo supplied by Chief Taypotat

With this new agreement, ITEP will offer a four-year Bachelor of Education degree program in the community, which will provide post-secondary training for Kahkewistahaw members and members of surrounding communities.

“The MOU recognizes and formally establishes the agreement between the College of Education ITEP program and Kahkewistahaw First Nation to offer a four-year Bachelor of Education program on reserve at Kahkewistahaw,” said Dr. Michelle Prytula, the Dean of College of Education. “Building on years of ITEP success offering similar programs on Treaty 6, we are pleased to be offering this valuable program starting this fall on Treaty 4.”

Kahkewistahaw Chief Evan Taypotat, an ITEP alumnus, wanted to give families an opportunity to obtain an education while still residing in the reserve.

“We’re happy to announce that we signed this MOU,” said Chief Taypotat. “It allows people to keep their jobs…if they can work around the hours. The timing structure is people friendly.”

ITEP classes will kick off in early September held every Friday at the community high school for four years. Students are expected to find their own tuition and living allowance funding. The same rules and requirements apply as those taking classes in urban centres. The program is available to anyone in the community and surrounding reserves – Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. So far, there are 24 applicants and Chief Taypotat said they can accommodate up to 40 students. He added this program will benefit community members and for future generations to come.

“We’re an emerging nation and we want to cater to the [upcoming] educators and to the young kids,” said Chief Taypotat.

ITEP staff, students, and several proud ITEP alumni were in attendance at the MOU signing, as well as College faculty and staff. Prytula was accompanied with ITEP Director Chris Scribe.

“We look forward to working and learning with the people of Kahkewistahaw First Nation, and to celebrating as these students convocate four years from now, ready to enter the teaching profession,” said Prytula.

The U of S has been offering ITEP community-based programs since 1974. With over 40 years of community experience, the program has been a trailblazer in the field of First Nation community-based teacher education.