Indigenous Teacher Education and Leadership

Child playing with indigenous items

The Faculty of Education supports a number of undergraduate and youth programming streams related to Indigenous teacher education and leadership. Learn more about each program to find which is best for you.

If you are interested in graduate studies, please explore our graduate programs page for specific program information.

On this page:

Indigenous Teacher Education

Youth Leadership


Indigenous Teacher Education

Aboriginal Teacher Education Program

The Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) is a Bachelor of Elementary Education degree (B.Ed.) program within the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. The program works toward developing a greater understanding of Aboriginal culture and perspectives on teaching and learning, in all schools, but primarily in schools where Aboriginal children are learning. Our goal is to improve the educational experiences of Aboriginal children by increasing the number of Aboriginal teachers, and teachers that choose to study in ATEP, with an understanding of Aboriginal worldviews, knowledge systems, histories, educational experiences, and ways of knowing and being.

The program has had tremendous success over the last 18 years, playing a vital and direct role in improving education for Aboriginal children in northern, northern eastern and central Alberta, through culturally appropriate teacher education. Over 95% of ATEP graduates are currently teaching, working in various leadership roles, or pursuing graduate studies.

Indigenous Language Teacher Development Projects

As part of the Canadian Indigenous Languages and Literacy Development Institute (CILLDI), the Faculty of Education presents on-campus professional education courses for Indigenous Language Instructors or language holders who want to develop skills to teach in the classroom.

This program stream provides courses in language education to Indigenous language instructors, teachers, and First Nation communities. The programming includes languages, language education curriculum and materials, pedagogy, assessment, school-based language policy and planning, research and technological advances in teaching, curriculum, and research. Elders and Indigenous knowledge systems are central to the programming.

Learn more about the Indigenous Language Education courses offered through the Faculty of Education and how to bridge these courses into teacher education through the Indigenous Language Teacher Development Projects.

Secondary Education - Minor in Native Education

The Bachelor of Education Secondary program is a specialized program in which students will select a teachable major and minor. The program prepares students to instruct in these two subject areas in Grades 7-12. One of these subject areas is a minor in Native Education. It consists of 120 units of course weight (120*) overall and a total of 14 weeks of student teaching. The program can be completed in four years.

Upon completing the program, students will earn a Bachelor of Education degree (BEd) and will be recommended for teacher certification in Alberta.


Youth Leadership

Braiding Stories to Live By Summer Gathering

If you are an Indigenous young woman between the ages of 10 and 16 join us in the annual Braiding Stories to Live By Summer Gathering. Each day you will be invited to participate in a variety of experiences that honour your whole beings: emotional, mental, physical and spiritual. From the Elders and knowledge holders we will learn the wisdom of the grandmothers. From community guests we will learn about contemporary wellness and wisdom practices. With the team we will create edible and beautiful snacks; engage in a variety of artistic creative experiences; make use of the beauty of the site and go outside to enjoy the summer weather; while always taking this opportunity to think about who we are, and are becoming as Indigenous young women.

Young Indigenous Women's Circle of Leadership

The Young Indigenous Women's Circle of Leadership (YIWCL) program is for young Indigenous women ages 10-16. Each day, participants are immersed in Indigenous language and cultural activities, drama, dance, digital technologies, and leadership-building.