Whitecap Dakota First Nation, Saskatoon Public Schools, and the Government of Canada have signed a tripartite agreement that will support the renewed education partnership agreement between Whitecap and the school division. The Agreement puts in place what is described as a sustainable, predictable and more flexible funding model to support student learning and achievement for another five years.

Through the partnership, Charles Red Hawk Elementary School is an alliance school with Saskatoon Public Schools. It’s the first on-reserve school to be a part of a Saskatchewan school division. The partnership also enabled investments by Canada to support Chief Whitecap School in Saskatoon becoming the First Nation’s designated school for its Grade 5-8 students.

The Whitecap Dakota First Nation Education Partnership Memorandum of Agreement was extended for another five years last September. It recognizes Whitecap’s jurisdiction over education of its members and continues the co-governance model previously created to oversee school operations. The three groups say that by bringing that agreement together with the Tripartite Agreement, they now have a sound funding model in place to support the goals of the education partnership.

The Education Partnership supports the transition of Whitecap students to attend school in Saskatoon. Charles Red Hawk offers classes from prekindergarten through Grade 4, after which students are transported to Saskatoon to attend Chief Whitecap School and, subsequently, a public high school.
“At Saskatoon Public Schools, our vision is for every student to be known, valued and believed in,” said SPS Board Chair Colleen MacPherson. “This vital partnership with Whitecap helps us achieve that vision. Students connect best to their learning when they see themselves in the lessons and in their school environment. This partnership allows us to build relationships with students at Charles Red Hawk School that continue at Chief Whitecap School and beyond.”

Whitecap Dakota First Nation is located approximately 26 km south of Saskatoon and has over 500 residents living on-reserve, including Whitecap members, members of other First Nations, and non-status residents.