Tipis at Elsie Fabian School, Fort McKay AB. Photo by Jon Tupper
EDMONTON — The Alberta government is providing $4.9 million for specialized learning services and mental health supports for First Nations students attending on-reserve schools.
The money is being distributed to First Nations and First Nations education authorities through the Specialized Learning and Mental Health Supports Grant.
The province says the funding is intended to help communities provide services including mental health screening assessments, staff training, mental health literacy programs, wellness navigators and projects aimed at creating safer learning environments.
“We are prioritizing mental health and specialized supports in schools, and this money will help strengthen student confidence, engagement and well-being, which will lead to better outcomes for students, families and communities,” Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said in a statement.
The province says the funding is also intended to help First Nations school authorities manage rising costs and improve access to specialized staff, particularly in rural and remote communities.
Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney said providing supports close to home can help students remain connected to their communities and cultures.
“When First Nations students have the right supports close to home, more doors open in the classroom, in their communities and in their futures,” Sawhney said.
“The Specialized Learning and Mental Health Supports Grant helps create stronger pathways for students to learn, grow and thrive while staying connected to the people, cultures and communities that shape who they are.”
The province says the funding can support programs focused on mental health literacy, family liaison services, specialized professional supports, cultural connections and land-based learning.
Alberta is also providing school boards with almost $101 million through the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Grant for the current school year.
The province says the funding, included in Budget 2026, is intended to support programs aimed at improving educational outcomes for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students.
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