The 2024 Blackfoot Confederacy Education Conference was recently organized by the Peigan Board of Education Society at the Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre in Lethbridge. Hundreds of educators, knowledge keepers, Elders, and community leaders gathered to spend two days with the event: November 12-13-sponsored by the Agro-food hub and trade centre in Lethbridge. The event helped instill critical thinking in Nitsitapi (Blackfoot) youth and children, educating on the importance of education centered on Indigenous values and perspectives.

The dynamic program held great promise for engaging faculty and younger learners. Participants could attend a slate of workshops, hear from keynote speakers of renown, and engage in a myriad of collaborative activities designed to foster more profound intellectual engagement. Situated in the broader context of “Building Critical Thinkers for Tomorrow,” it highlighted an important role of education in the produce of future leaders, who are capable of better navigating both Indigenous and mainstream educational systems.

Elders and knowledge keepers played a key role in most of the event by sharing with the children their knowledge and teachings in order to bridge the traditional knowledge of the Blackfoot culture with modern educational methods.

These intergenerational exchanges were integral to creating an inclusive space where cultural heritage was celebrated alongside academic advancement. This conference further highlighted the importance of inclusion of cultural teachings and language in curriculum for their continued growth and development in a modern world as Nitsitapi children.

We are committed to giving our youth the tools they need in order to think critically, meaningfully engage with their world, and honor their cultural heritage,” said one of the representatives from the Peigan Board of Education Society. “This conference comes at a relevant time for us to gather as a community and make sure that the next generations of Nitsitapi are well-equipped to navigate this challenging world.”

This event provided a space for continued dialogue about the future of education for Blackfoot Nation and gave voice to how educators are successful in incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems with modern teaching methods. Conference attendees walked away at the end energized, their passion renewed to further pursue a focused effort to foster critical thinking in Nitsitapi youth. The Peigan Board of Education Society commits to this vision and pledges to ensure critical thinking as a strong foundation for Blackfoot education in the years to come.