(Peace River) – Northland School Division (NSD) is moving ahead with plans to develop an Elder-in-Residence program for the 2026-27 school year, though details of the program are still being worked out.

Curtis Walty, media relations manager for Northland, says the Division does not have new details to release at this time, as the program remains in the planning stage.

“The details of the program are still being considered,” Walty says.

“The board approved the development and implementation of an Elder-in-Residence program for the 2026-27 school year, and Northland School Division is now looking at how to move this work forward in a good way.”

The program is intended to support students while also advancing Truth and Reconciliation across the division. Walty says the initiative is closely connected to Northland’s Education Plan and its focus on strengthening Elder and Knowledge Keeper connections in every school.

While Northland has not yet released information such as how Elders will be selected, how many schools may be involved, or what the day-to-day structure of the program will look like, the board’s approval signals a formal step toward embedding more cultural guidance and community-based knowledge within schools.

Elder-in-Residence programs are commonly used in educational settings to give students, staff and school communities opportunities to learn directly from Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Such programs can support cultural learning, relationship-building, language, identity and wellness, depending on how they are designed by local communities and school divisions.

For Northland, Walty says the planning work is being approached carefully. He says the goal is not only to introduce a new program, but to move the work forward in a respectful way that reflects the Division’s priorities and relationships with Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

“The goal is to support students while continuing to support Truth and Reconciliation across the division,” Walty says.

More information will be shared once program details have been established. Until then, the Elder-in-Residence program remains in development, with implementation expected during the 2026-27 school year.

“As this work is still in the planning stage, we will share more information once the program details are established,” Walty says.

Sara Driedger
For Lakeside Leader