The Provincial government is providing funding to help improve learning and mental health supports for First Nations students.
In order to ensure that First Nations students have the supports they need, as well as meet the diverse learning and mental health needs of K to 12 students attending on-reserve schools, the Provincial government is providing 27 First Nations with up to $4.6 million for the 2025-2026 school year.
"Strong mental health and learning supports are crucial to helping students build resilience and succeed in school. We’re proud to work with First Nations education partners and communities to support the success and well-being of First Nations students," the Minister of Education and Childcare, Demetrios Nicolaides, stated in a media release. "This grant will empower communities to deliver the learning and mental health supports that are right for their students."
The First Nations with at least one on-reserve school were invited to apply for the Specialized Learning and Mental Health Supports for First Nations Grant back in May, and those who are receiving funding for this upcoming school year will have the flexibility to use the money in the best way possible that best supports students.
This funding is on top of the Budget 2025, which is providing public school boards with almost $94 million in the 2025-2026 school year to support the students who identify as First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
The funding through the Specialized Learning and Mental Health Supports for First Nations Grant can cover things like hearing, vision, and complex communication needs, emotional and behavioural needs, family school liaisons, occupational and physical therapy, staff training on social-emotional learning, and more.
Both the Siksika Board of Education and the Tsuut'ina Nation Education Department are receiving funding from the Specialized Learning and Mental Health Supports for First Nations Grant to help their students.
To learn more about the grant and see the full list of grant recipients, click here.