Indigenous-led school sees academic success through traditional land skills – CBC

Apr 27, 2026

Tradition meets the classroom as Fort McKay First Nation students get out on the land.

Meat and fat lie in a watery puddle at Harley Gladue’s feet, as the scraping sound of flesh from a moose hide thrums and vibrates across a school yard on the Fort McKay First Nation.

When the fleshy pulp is removed, the hide will be softened with lard or brains, then smoked. Gladue and the other students in attendance haven’t been told what the hide will be turned into yet, but it can be used for clothing and blankets.

After an hour, it’s time for the students to go back inside. Gladue said he felt “a little bummed out,” but ready to focus.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/northern-alberta-land-based-learning-9.7177104