Educators’ Experiences Awarding High School Credit for an Indigenous Youth Program in Alberta

Auteurs-es

Mots-clés :

niveau de scolarité, attribution de crédits scolaires, recherche qualitative

Résumé

Le niveau de scolarité constitue un déterminant de la santé, mais des inégalités persistent chez les élèves autochtones au Canada. Le Programme de mentorat des jeunes autochtones (IYMP) est un programme communautaire de promotion de la santé offert après l’école qui soutient le leadership, le mentorat, l’activité physique, le sentiment d’appartenance et le bien-être holistique des jeunes autochtones. En Alberta, les mentors des jeunes du secondaire participant au IYMP ont demandé la reconnaissance officielle de leurs apprentissages par le biais de crédits scolaires. Cependant, on sait peu de choses sur la façon dont le personnel scolaire gère les processus d'attribution de crédits pour des programmes communautaires axés sur la santé. Cette étude a impliqué des entrevues semi-structurées auprès de cinq personnes éducatrices et responsables de programme basées en Alberta ayant de l’expérience dans l'attribution de crédits pour la participation à l’IYMP. Les verbatim des entrevues ont été analysés à l'aide d'une analyse thématique inductive. Quatre thèmes ont émergé: 1) l’importance de partenariats solides entre les écoles et les communautés; 2) la nécessité de mieux informer le personnel scolaire sur les processus d’attribution de crédits; 3) la promotion de l'engagement et de l'autonomie des élèves; 4) les défis et les possibilités liés aux politiques éducatives. Les résultats indiquent que l'attribution de crédits est une pratique relationnelle et est fortement influencée par les contextes locaux. Elle est façonnée par l'autorité du personnel scolaire, les structures institutionnelles et l'interprétation des politiques. Ces constats ont des implications importantes pour la reconnaissance des apprentissages expérientiels, qui occupent une place centrale en éducation physique et à la santé. Le renforcement de ces mécanismes pourrait favoriser une reconnaissance plus équitable du leadership des jeunes autochtones et des apprentissages réalisés dans des contextes communautaires au sein des systèmes scolaires.

Bibliographies de l'auteur-e

McKayla Kirkpatrick, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB

McKayla Kirkpatrick is a medical student studying at the University of Calgary. She completed her MSc in the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta under the expert guidance of Dr. Kate Storey and her team. McKayla is drawn to research that centres on mentorship, education, and community-building as a means to support youth and promote healthy living

Keatton Tiernan, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB

Keatton Tiernan is a doctoral candidate and Indigenous scholar in the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta. He is passionate about helping youth lead, thrive, and live mino-pimâtisiwin (Cree for “the good life”). He believes that leadership starts from within — with relationships, storytelling, and supporting each other to grow. That’s why his work centers Indigenous ways of knowing, and why he is committed to creating spaces where young people can grow and thrive.

Genevieve Montemurro, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB

Genevieve Montemurro is a Senior Program Lead in the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta, and PhD student. Her research interests include settings-based health promotion, including school-health and healthy cities, implementation science, and community-based participatory research.

Lauren Sulz, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB

Dr. Lauren Sulz is an Associate Professor with a focus on healthy school communities. Lauren's research includes physical and health literacy, school sport and school-based physical activities, whole-child education, comprehensive school health, and health and physical education pedagogy.

Brian Torrance, ParticipACTION, Toronto, ON

Brian Torrance is the President and CEO of ParticipACTION, where he leads the strategic direction of ParticipACTION, driven by his belief that an active Canada is a healthier, happier Canada. With over 14 years of experience in the sport, physical activity, and recreation sector, he has contributed in both professional and volunteer capacities—from organizing marathon events to guiding a national organization. Outside of work, Brian is an avid runner and proud father of two.

Tyler Cole, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB

Tyler Cole is a PhD student in the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta. His research is grounded in community-based participatory approaches and program evaluation. He works closely with the Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program where he is interested in how leadership opportunities can contribute to educational attainment and mino-pimâtisiwin.

Kate Storey, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB

Dr. Kate Storey is a professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta, CIHR/PHAC Applied Public Health Chair, and Distinguished Researcher, Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. Kate is a Centre for Healthy Communities Scientist and Lead for ‘Healthy Schools.’ As an established leader in creating healthy communities, she has implemented, evaluated, and expanded healthy living programs in communities with thousands of children and has built partnerships across sectors and levels to promote sustainability.

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Publié-e

2026-09-29

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Feature Articles / Articles de fond

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