Departments & Programs

The Land-Based Program offers students the opportunity to learn and connect with traditional Cree knowledge, cultural teachings, and essential survival skills. Guided by three Community Elders and one land expert, students will engage in hands-on learning experiences that honor Indigenous ways of knowing and strengthen their connection to the land.

Program Highlights:

• Cree Traditional Teachings – Learn about cultural values, traditions, and stories passed down through generations.
• Drum Teachings – Discover the significance of the drum and its role in ceremonies and cultural practices.
• On-the-Land Training – Develop essential outdoor skills, including fire-building and navigation in natural environments.
• Trapping and Snaring – Learn traditional trapping and snaring techniques used for sustainable harvesting.
• Harvesting and Sharing – Gather and prepare traditional foods and medicines, fostering respect for the land’s resources.
• Shelter Building – Construct shelters using natural materials for protection and survival.
• Survival Skills – Gain the knowledge and confidence to thrive in various outdoor conditions.
• Winter Survival Training – Learn specific skills to stay safe and prepared during the colder months.

This hands-on program is offered every second day to students across various classrooms and grades, providing them with an immersive and enriching learning experience.

Parent Participation:
To ensure student safety and understanding, a signed permission slip is required for each student to participate in the program.

Through this initiative, students will develop not only practical survival skills but also a deeper appreciation for Cree culture, traditions, and the wisdom of the land.

The PEA and School Language Teaching Program is dedicated to promoting and preserving Cree language and culture from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Students learn Cree phonetics, syllabics, reading, writing, and speaking from Elders who share traditional teachings, heritage, and cultural knowledge to strengthen identity and connection to the land.

Through curriculum development, heritage language programs support, we ensure Cree language remains strong. Student involvement, community cultural activities, and Elder participation create an immersive learning experience, fostering pride and fluency for future generations.

The PEA Administrative offices provide working spaces for our superintendents, principals, school board members, and various administrative staff responsible for the day-to-day operations of educational institutions.

Services:

• Planning and Policy Development:
• Human Resources
• Finance and Budgeting
• Student Services
• Curriculum Development
• Meetings and Conferences
• Records and Data Management
• Communication, I.T. and Community Engagement

The School Bus Transportation Department is responsible for managing and overseeing transportation services for students safely and timely to and from school.

The department manages:

• Bus Routes and Scheduling
• Driver Recruitment and Training
• Fleet Maintenance
• Safety Protocols
• Communication with Parents and Guardians
• Compliance with Regulations
• Emergency Response Measures
• Student Behavior Management
• Special Needs Transportation

The School Finance Department is responsible for managing the financial resources and budget of the PEA. This department plays a crucial role in ensuring that funds are allocated appropriately, financial records are accurate, and resources are used efficiently.

Key responsibilities of the Finance Department:

1. Revenue Management
2. Expense Management
3. Financial Reporting
4. Payroll and Benefits
5. Assisting with Grants and Funding Applications
6. Purchasing and Procurement of equipment
7. Financial Compliance
8. Investment Management

The PEA Human Resources (HR) Department is responsible for managing all aspects related to the employment and personnel matters within an educational institution, including the Sakastew School. The HR department manages recruiting, retaining, and supporting staff.

Key responsibilities the PEA HR Department:

• Recruitment and Hiring
• Employee orientation
• Personnel Records Management
• Employee Benefits
• Payroll and Compensation
• Performance Management & Evaluation
• Employee Relations
• Professional Development & Training
• Contract Negotiations
• Compliance and Regulations
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Safety and Health
• Terminations and Exit Interviews
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Policy Development
• Data Analysis and Reporting

The PEA and Sakastew School Maintenance and Custodial Department is responsible for the upkeep, cleanliness, and maintenance of the physical facilities and grounds of a school or educational institution. They work to create a safe, functional, and conducive environment for students, staff, and visitors.

Key responsibilities of a School Maintenance and Custodial Department:

• Cleaning and Sanitation
• Trash and Waste Management
• Grounds Maintenance
• Maintenance and Repairs
• Safety Inspections
• Security
• Inventory Management
• Emergency & Pandemic Response Measures
• Energy Efficiency

The PEA Student Services and Safety ensures the well-being, safety, and support of students. Staff work to create a safe environment for learning and offer services to meet the diverse needs of students.

Student Services and Safety provide:

• Safety protocols, emergency response plans, and security measures within the school or campus. This may include coordinating with local law enforcement, conducting drills, and monitoring security systems.
• Student Health Services including health services, access to nurses, counseling, and medical care for students. Support with immunization compliance
• Counseling and Mental Health Support
• Special Education Services to help students succeed academically.
• Behavioral Interventions
• Attendance Monitoring to track student attendance
• Bullying Prevention and Intervention
• Conflict Resolution
• Emergency Preparedness
• Family Engagement to collaborate with parents and guardians to support their children’s academic and emotional well-being.
• Maintaining accurate and confidential student records
• Support with extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations
• Crisis Intervention
• Professional Development

Sakastew School offers a breakfast, lunch and snack program for all students. The program runs daily and students are provided nutritious foods throughout the day which contains healthy cereals, lunches, snack bars, juices and fruits (depending on availability).

The School Athletics and Recreation Department is responsible for organizing and overseeing athletic programs, sports teams, clubs, and recreational activities within the school. The staff focus on promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and extracurricular engagement among students.

Key responsibilities of the athletics and recreation:

• Sports Team Management
• Intramural and In-school Sports
• Equipment
• Safety and Health
• Scheduling and Events
• Physical Education (PE) Programs
• Athletic Scholarships and Awards
• Coaching and Training
• Student Engagement
• Community Engagement in Recreation
• Inclusivity and Equity
• Recreation Programs

The School Athletics and Recreation staff contribute to the physical, social, and emotional development of students while fostering a sense of school spirit and community pride. Its programs and initiatives encourage students to lead active, healthy lifestyles and develop important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience.