Dr. Evelyn Steinhauer image via https://www.evelynsteinhauer.ca/
U of A program aims to boost number of Indigenous teachers across Alberta
FORT McMURRAY, AB. — A teacher education program at the University of Alberta is expanding its reach with a aim of getting more Indigenous educators into classrooms across the province.
The Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) was founded in 2002 to increase the number of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit teachers in Alberta. Since then, more than 430 Indigenous students have graduated, many of whom now teach in schools across the province and beyond.
ATEP is grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and relational learning, and offers full-time, part-time, and online study options. The program supports students in remaining connected to their home communities while completing a Bachelor of Education degree.
“ATEP was established to increase the number of Indigenous teachers in Alberta and to offer Indigenous students an opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Education degree in ways that are culturally grounded and community-connected,” said Dr. Evelyn Steinhauer, who spearheads the program. “Our impact extends across Alberta, with many of our students coming from northern and rural communities.”
Although ATEP does not currently have a formal agreement with Fort McMurray’s Keyano College, local students can enrol in the online stream to stay rooted in their communities. However, the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Education has an agreement with Keyano to deliver the first two years of the Bachelor of Education program.
ATEP recently received a $1-million grant from the Rideau Hall Foundation to study how online learning can better support Indigenous student success and retention. The research will include focus groups, structural analysis of support systems, and the development of recommendations to guide similar programs across Canada.
The work aims to reduce attrition from the teaching profession by building intentional online communities and learning spaces where Indigenous students feel reflected, supported, and empowered.
The program also continues to respond directly to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, particularly those that emphasize the importance of Indigenous education and representation in Canadian classrooms.
“We know from experience that strong Indigenous teachers help foster strong students, families, and communities,” said Dr. Steinhauer. “We also know that relational, land-based, and culturally aligned approaches to education have transformative effects for both learners and school systems.”
More than 70 students are expected to graduate from ATEP in fall 2025.
Annalee Nutter, Superintendent of the Fort McMurray Public School Division, says the program is important to the Fort McMurray Public School Division (FMPSD), “Truth and reconciliation is not a one-time initiative, it’s a daily responsibility at FMPSD,” says Nutter.
“We honour this by teaching about treaties and the historical truth, as well as offering land-based learning and traditional cultural activities with guidance from our Elders’ Council and Indigenous community partners.”
“One of our lead teachers in this area is a graduate of the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) at U of A, bringing professional learning and personal passion to this important journey.”
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