Providing unique First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultural experiences for CBE staff and students.

History of the Circle of Nations Learning Collection

We would like to acknowledge the hard work, dedication and knowledge of all those who devoted countless years to the Circle of Nations Learning Collection.  It is through their dedication that we are able to proudly incorporate the many artifacts into the Niitsitapi Learning Centre. 

Many of these beautiful sacred items and artifacts come to us mostly from the former Plains Indian Cultural Survival School (PICCS).  This unique high school was in operation from 1976-2002 and was one of the first of it’s kind in Canada.  Students spent many hours learning from a dedicated staff and Elders and as a result, created many of the spiritual gifts you now part of this collection. 

After the closure of PICSS in 2002, these gifts were brought to Kingsland Centre where they were cared for by the Indigenous Education Team.  Countless schools and students were able to visit the Circle of Nation Museum in this location during its time there.

In consultation with Elders during the planning phase of the Niitsitapi Learning Centre, the decision was made to move the collection from its current location to the Niitsitapi Learning Centre. It was transferred through ceremony and will continue to provide meaningful learning experiences for all who visit or attend the Niitsitapi Learning Centre.  

Half Day Experiential Learning:

The Circle of Nations Learning Collection and the Niitsitapi Learning Center would like to invite all teachers and classrooms from K-12, in the CBE, to join us in an experiential learning opportunity focused on Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.

We are able to provide a diverse range of experiences and areas of focus.

Areas of focus are starting points and can be expanding to meet your classroom's particular needs.

To request a half day visit to the Niitsitapi Learning Centre and the Circle of Nations Learning collection please contact Michelle Ranger mmranger@cbe.ab.ca once COVID 19 restrictions have been lifted.

Services Offered for Staff

Circle of Nations Museum offers a professional development site aligned with our Three-Year Education Plan.

Build Our Capacity
Capacity building with a focus on results

Personalized Learning
Success for each student, every day, no exceptions

Steward Our Resources
Resource management on behalf of student learning
(CBE Three-Year Education Plan, 2018-2021)

Please connect with the Indigenous Education Team for more information.

Programming for Professional Development

• Increase awareness and knowledge of First Nations, Métis and Inuit culture through an experiential encounter with artifacts
• Strategies for using objects to engage students in inquiry-based learning
• Making storytelling connections using oral, print and other media texts