Leadership Development Retreat for Student Council at Ben Calf Robe School

With a student body comprised of mostly Indigenous youth, education at Ben Calf Robe School (BCR) in Edmonton, Alberta, is firmly grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing.

Central to the school’s mission is the celebration of Indigenous culture and language, nurturing a sense of belonging and community among its students.

Recognizing the importance of fostering leadership skills and community engagement among its students, BCR has established a structured student leadership program. In its inaugural year, the student council has planned and implemented community-building events and social justice projects. 

To bring together current and future student leaders for an experience in team building, planning, and brainstorming for the coming school year, BCR is planning a leadership student retreat. The retreat will be supported by BCR’s cultural team and include culture and language revitalization activities. 

The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is supporting BCR’s student leadership program by providing funding for the overnight retreat, covering transportation, camp fees, food, and activity costs, and ensuring that students have access to this learning experience.

By empowering Indigenous youth to take on leadership roles and engage with their community, BCR is planting seeds for a future generation of changemakers. The school is nurturing leadership, resilience, and cultural pride among its students, paving the way for a brighter future.

Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton