A Year Rooted in Community, Growth, and Purpose
At Cadotte Lake School, every season tells a story. And this year — through snowfalls, spring thaws, and everything in between — our students, staff, and families created a story worth celebrating. It was a year full of connection, learning, and unforgettable moments, grounded in culture and driven by hope.
Let’s look back at some of the highlights that made this school year so powerful.
Basketball Brings Us Together
Our Cadotte Lake Coyotes basketball teams — both boys and girls — brought energy and heart to the court all year. They competed proudly against visiting teams like the Whitefish Warriors and made a memorable trip to Edmonton for a tournament at Jasper Place High School. For many students, it was their first time playing in a city gym, and their talent shone. These games weren’t just about basketball — they were about confidence, teamwork, and believing in ourselves.
Way of Life Teaching: Learning from the Land
Students harvested willow fungus in the forest, learning its uses in traditional medicine and ceremony. They also tapped birch trees in early spring, collected sap, and turned it into syrup — guided by Knowledge Keeper Nancy Williams. These moments connected students with the teachings of their ancestors while developing respect for nature and traditional knowledge.
📖 Willow Fungus
📖 Birch Sap to Syrup
Nurturing Creativity Through Art
Peace ARThub joined us for a series of vibrant art classes, giving students space to explore painting, identity, and imagination. These workshops showed us that art does more than decorate — it unlocks learning. Students who struggle in literacy and math often flourish when creativity is welcomed.
Finding Our Rhythm
This spring, rhythm took over the gym as Lucas Coffey brought his drumming circles to CLS. His powerful story of finding purpose through music connected with students deeply, and the energy of the drum united the school in a shared heartbeat of fun, healing, and unity.
Red Dress Day: Honouring Our Women
On Red Dress Day, our school paused in remembrance and respect. Students, staff, and community members came together to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. With red fabric, ceremony, and reflection, we showed that these women are not forgotten — and their spirits remain with us.
Mental Health Matters
KTC’s Addiction and Mental Health Team visited our school to train staff on how to support both students and themselves. As we know, learning can’t happen without wellness — and this day reminded us that taking care of our minds and hearts is a shared responsibility.
Celebrating the Season
Spring came in strong with our annual Spring Festival — a day filled with games, races, face painting, crafts, s’mores, and pizza. It was a joyful reminder that celebration is a vital part of education — and that shared laughter builds stronger schools.
📖 See the Spring Festival blog
Looking Ahead: Adventure Summer School
This summer, our Grades 9–12 students will have the chance to attend an incredible two-week Adventure Summer School in Nordegg, Alberta. This unique program combines high school credits, outdoor leadership, and life-changing experiences — from hiking and rafting to First Aid and work placements.
Walking in Two Worlds
Some of our staff had the honour of attending a Treaty-Based Education gathering in Onion Lake, Saskatchewan. There, they deepened their understanding of how to teach Treaty through Cree worldview — walking in two worlds to serve our students with integrity and cultural wisdom.
A Special Thank You
None of these achievements would have been possible without the generous support of our partners. Your commitment fueled every project, event, and milestone:
KTC Health · KTC Emergency Services · ATB Financial · Canadian Natural Health · Plains Careers · Mercer · Peace River Pulp Ltd. · Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities · Onion Lake Education · Indigenous Knowledge & Wisdom Centre (IKWC) · YourAlberta / Alberta Education · Ruel Concrete Ltd. · NewGen Projects · Biathlon Alberta · Rhythm Rhythm Rhythm · Fitset Ninja · AJA Louden Studios · Timberwolf Tech Services · ASAP Bookkeeping & Services Ltd. · Freson Bros. · Peace River Art Club · Ever Active Schools · CBC Radio · CBC Edmonton · Woodland Cree First Nation · Woodland Cree Health Centre · LiveDifferent
Looking Ahead
We’re already dreaming up new opportunities, fresh adventures, and even bolder ways to live our Way of Life Teaching in the 2025–26 school year. Together, we’ll continue to empower students, celebrate culture, and strengthen our community bonds.
This year was more than a school year — it was a movement. One rooted in healing, discovery, and culture. Through sport, ceremony, art, land, and learning, Cadotte Lake School continued to live our motto: Hope is on the Horizon.
And as we head into summer, we carry the strength of these stories forward — knowing that what we do together matters.
Thank you for your partnership, your belief in our mission, and for making this year unforgettable. See you in September!
