The mission of the Office of First Nation Education (OFNE) is to promote the academic success, personal well-being, citizenship and career preparedness of First Nation students in New Brunswick provincial schools, and to educate the public at large about First Nation cultures, histories and current realities.
The Wabanaki Wholistic Learning Framework
The Wabanaki Wholistic Learning Framework was developed by and with the Wabanaki Elders Council and was informed and refined through work with First Nation educators, knowledge keepers, and community members. This framework is a useful guide for educators seeking ways to incorporate Wabanaki knowledge, worldviews, histories, and perspectives into their practice.
- A companion document to support educators using the Wabanaki Framework
Professional Learning Events
Professional Learning Opportunities for Educators (open access/ asynchronous)
- Indian Residential and Day School Professional Learning: Features videos by Elder, Dr. David Perley on his experiences in day school. Links for further reading are included. Suggested teaching and learning resources linked on this site.
- Education and Reconciliation: Originally launched as a province-wide professional learning day in 2017, this professional learning page includes content focused on myths and realities facing First Nation Peoples, Culturally Responsive Teaching, and the legacy of Indian Residential Schools.
- Incorporating an Indigenous Worldview in Educational Support Services: Launched in 2018, this virtual PL includes content focused on the impacts of colonization, intergenerational trauma, wellness, and economic opportunities for Indigenous youth.
- Education and Reconciliation Professional Learning 2017 – Walter Paul, Educator and Wolastoqiyik Elder
- Indian residential and day school resources and professional learning
Recommended Resources and Supports:
Here you will find resources to support your work in incorporating Wabanaki Perspectives into your practice:
- Office of First Nation Education: Information and resources regarding First Nation education initiatives in New Brunswick. Visitors can explore programs, policies, support services, and a quarterly newsletter aimed at enhancing the educational experiences of First Nations students.
- The Office of First Nation Education – SharePoint: Includes links for professional learning and instructional resources. (NBED Login required)
- World of Wisdom: Includes a variety of resources including a virtual booking service for connecting with Knowledge Keepers who can support classroom practice.
- Treaty Education: Treaty Education resources developed specifically for New Brunswick Educators. Currently, grades 3, 4, and 5 are offered, but a middle school resource is forthcoming. Resources are currently being mapped to the new curriculum framework.
- Professional Learning document to support educators teaching Treaty Education 3-5
- Wabanaki Collection: A wealth of multimedia resources to support educator learning and instructional practice.
- Wabanaki History and Culture Shared Tenet Page: This page contains helpful information and links for further reading and viewing.