Acknowledgement
We join with the Calgary Board of Education to acknowledge the land and the Indigenous peoples of the region:
We would like to acknowledge the traditional territories and oral practices of the Blackfoot Nations, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai. We also acknowledge the Tsuut’ina and Stoney Nakoda First Nations, the Metis Nation (Region 3), and all peoples who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
Our Story
Piitoayis Family School was established in 2002. We are a kindergarten through Grade 6 program of choice, as we teach the Alberta Programs of Study through an Indigenous lens. Our name translates into “Eagle Lodge” in the Blackfoot language. We were gifted our name by five Elders: Mark Wolfleg (Siksika), Russell Big Crow (Tsuut’ina), Freddy Eagletail (Tsuut’ina), Olive Manitopyes (Cree Nation), and John Snow (Stoney Nakoda). Our name recognizes the spiritual significance of the “eagle” as a symbol of love, and “lodge” as a gathering place. Our learners learn through a diversity of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit ways of knowing, being, and doing.
Mission Statement
We will emphasize four core Blackfoot values and belief systems:
- Aatsimmoiyihkanni: spirituality and ceremony
- Kimmapiiypitsinni: kindness to others
- Kakyosin: being aware of your environment; being observant
- Aksistoiypaittapiisinni: being able to take on task independently
Vision Statement
To create a respectful learning environment based on the balance of traditional cultural values and academic excellence. Our holistic and meaningful approach to learning will enhance pride and self-esteem, enabling our students to become successful, responsible, and lifelong learners.
Piitoayis Family School at a Glance
Piitoayis Family School (Est. 2002) is a Kindergarten to Grade 6 Program of Choice that teaches the Alberta Education Programs of Study through a diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives and experiences. Our name, Piitoayis, (pronounced Be doi yis) means "Eagle Lodge" and it recognizes the spiritual significance of the “eagle” to Indigenous people as a symbol of love, and “lodge” recognizes the school as a gathering place. Our school is open to all learners in Grades K-6 who want to learn through Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing.
At Piitoayis Family School we strive to honour the traditional teachings and oral practices of the Blackfoot Nations and all other Indigenous peoples who make their home in Southern Alberta. Our year-long focus will emphasis four core Blackfoot values and belief systems including spirituality (ceremony), kindness to others, to be aware of your environment, to be observant, and being able to take on tasks independently. We will honour the rich and diverse Indigenous protocols, practices, and processes of all Indigenous peoples represented by our staff and students.
What to Bring to School
At Piitoayis, students only need to bring clean, indoor shoes with them to begin the school year. Students are provided with backpacks filled with school supplies on their first day of school. On each school day throughout the year, students are given breakfast, snacks, and lunch.
Our School's Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
We are committed to acknowledging and supporting the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 Calls to Action specific to education. Our school, along with all CBE schools, made a Truth and Reconciliation Commitment to Action, on June 21, we renewed our commitment.
View Our Truth and Reconciliation Commitment | 2025-2026
School Development Plan
Each year, our school prepares a development plan with input from teachers, school staff, students and parents. We review many sources of data, including report cards, provincial achievement test results and school surveys. Based on this information, we create our plan identifying targeted areas for growth. Our school development plan is not meant to represent all of the work that takes place in our school, but rather it focuses on specific areas for improvement.
View Our School Development Plan | 2024-2025
School Improvement Results Report
Our school also prepares a results plan, which looks at our previous school year. It shows our students’ achievement and progress in meeting the goals and outcomes as set out by the CBE and Alberta Education, outlines some of the highlights of our school development plan and gives an overview of our school. You can look on the CBE website for system-wide results.