Candida Shepherd, First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Lead Teacher at Bev Facey Community High and ongoing work with the school community

Around the Division

Meet Candida Shepherd: First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Lead Teacher at Bev Facey Community High
My name is Candida Shepherd and I’m a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4. I’m a teacher and a First Nations, Métis and Inuit Lead at Bev Facey Community High. I’m a long-time member of Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples. It’s my pleasure to share my culture and my journey as a knowledge seeker. Here’s my story of Bev Facey’s journey to an Indigenized school culture.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to acknowledge this journey here on Treaty 6 territory—the traditional lands of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit. We are all treaty people.

Since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Bev Facey has embarked on a path of listening and learning. How do we restore the Indigenous presence in Canada—but also within our community?

There’s been a recognition that it would take time to build long-lasting relationships and truly understand what our cultural processes and understandings mean to Indigenous Peoples. With guidance from our Elder-in-Residence, Wilson Bearhead, and many knowledge keepers and seekers, there’s been a commitment to the responsibility to protect these knowledges and to ensure newcomers treat the knowledge with respect when it’s shared.

In 2016, Bev Facey began the process of creating an ethical space within the building. This required a willingness to trust the Indigenous process and to dedicate valuable classroom space. Both did not come easily, at times.

Our Indigenous footprint has spread throughout the school in many ways. However, I’m proudest of our Culture Room. It’s situated in the heart of the school, visited by many staff and students on a daily basis. It’s a place where the sacred Seven Teachings are at the centre of how we share with each other so all our interactions can happen in a good way.

I’m grateful to the Creator for the opportunity to be involved in this journey. And to the various administrators—Paul Pallister, Barclay Spady and now, Ken Wlos—for their willingness to listen. And especially the Elders and supporters who guided with good intentions.

Hiy hiy.
Candida Shepherd

Upcoming Events

February 14 is Have a Heart Day across Canada. This youth-led initiative, now in its 10th year, is designed to raise awareness of the ongoing inequalities for First Nations children.

Resources of Interest

One concept Candida Shepard referenced in her story is that of ethical space. Across EIPS, we’re learning more about ethical spaces and what they mean for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students and their families.

• Want to learn more about Bev Facey’s culture room? Watch this video.
• Want to learn more about ethical spaces? Watch Cree scholar Willy Ermine introduce the concept in this video, or watch Dr. Reg Crowshoe, Danika Littlechild and Eli Enns share their ideas of ethical spaces in this short video.