WCPS and MESC renew educational partnership agreement

Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) and Maskwacis Education School Commission (MESC) extended an Educational Services Agreement.  

The agreement is designed to strengthen resource sharing and relationships between the two organizations.  

The agreement signing was guided by elders on May 28 at Wolf Creek’s Division Office and began with a traditional pipe ceremony, where participants were invited to sit in a circle to reflect, build relationships, and come together.  

Elders, board members, senior leadership, and community members joined the event.  

“The efforts, energy and the prayers today, that is what we think about, and that is what it’s all about — this agreement, this relationship. We have an ethical responsibility to uphold on behalf of all of our children, not just Maskwacis children, but all of our children,” said Dr. Shauna Bruno, MESC Board Chair.  

The agreement was extended for five years, to secure a harmonious and close consultative relationship between the organizations and implement policies and educational programs.   

“Today underscores how incredibly fortunate we are at Wolf Creek to have you as such close neighbors and colleagues. And the renewal of this agreement allows us to continue to build the bonds between us, grounded in a spirit of understanding and respect," said Luci Henry, WCPS Board Chair.  

The agreement signing demonstrated the shared vision of both organizations going forward.   

“I want to acknowledge everyone, all staff and the superintendent, the executive and the elders and everyone,” said Bruno. “This is part of the work and ethical responsibility we all have; it is sustaining not only our cultural traditions in our schools and communities but in our relationship to the land and Mother Earth. I am so thankful to be on their journey.”  

Henry said Wolf Creek is deeply enriched by the partnership with MESC and with elders and community leaders from Maskwacis.   

“Every day, we strive to instill these values throughout our schools, creating an environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued,” said Henry.  

“The renewed partnership with MESC and WCPS enables the two school systems to work together in reconciliation, ensuring authentic content is taught and learned. As neighbours, we are demonstrating wahkohtowin because all children are important,” said Tracy Swampy-Sylvester, MESC Superintendent.  

“We can’t say enough about the support we get from MESC and the broader community of Maskwacis from the residents and Elders. I have spoken with other divisions that want a partnership such as we have, that truly puts a focus on reconciliation and on students,” Tim De Ruyck WCPS Superintendent added. “What we do is not about pausing education to focus on Indigenous education. It’s about the way we want to be, it’s part of what we do day-to-day.”  

**With information provided by Wolf Creek Public Schools