Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government has committed $4.2 million to expand learning and mental health supports for First Nations students, aiming to address both academic and well-being needs in on-reserve schools.
For the 2025–26 school year, 27 First Nations will receive funding under the Specialized Learning and Mental Health Supports for First Nations Grant, first opened for applications in May. The province says the grants are designed to give communities the flexibility to deliver programs that reflect local priorities, from academic interventions to culturally relevant mental health initiatives.
Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides stressed the importance of the investment, noting, “Strong mental health and learning supports are crucial to helping students build resilience and succeed in school. This grant empowers communities to deliver the supports that are right for their students.”
Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, added that the initiative will give students “another tool in their toolbox” to improve academic outcomes and foster lifelong wellness.
Local leaders say the funding is already helping strengthen engagement. Daphne Mai’Stoina, superintendent of Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council Education Authority, highlighted programs such as equine-assisted learning, occupational therapy, and family liaison services as examples of how the grant is being used to improve attendance and student well-being.
In addition to the targeted $4.2 million, Budget 2025 includes nearly $94 million for public school boards to support self-identified First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney said the investments are about ensuring resources reach the communities best positioned to understand their students’ needs.
“These grants reflect our commitment to building brighter futures for Indigenous youth across Alberta,” Sawhney said.
