Red Crow Community College facts for kids
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| Type | Tribal College |
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| Established | 1986 under the direction of the Blood Tribe Education Committee. |
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Academic affiliations
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| President | Roy Weasel Fat |
| Location |
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Alberta
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Canada
49°27′39″N 113°18′09″W / 49.4608°N 113.3026°W |
| Campus | Urban/suburban Kainai Nation Blood reserve in Stand Off southern Alberta, Canada. |
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Sporting affiliations
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CCAA |
Red Crow Community College is a special school for higher education. It is located on the Kainai Nation reserve in southern Alberta, Canada. There is also another campus in Lethbridge. The college's name in the Blackfoot language is Mí'kai'stoo.
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Working Together: College Partnerships
Red Crow Community College works with many groups to help its students. It is part of the First Nations Adult and Higher Education Consortium. This group helps colleges in Western Canada offer great education. These schools are run by First Nations people themselves.
The college is also a Canadian member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC). This group helps colleges that serve Indigenous communities. They work to make tribal nations stronger. They also help improve the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Red Crow Community College was started to meet the education needs of Indigenous people. It often helps students in areas where there are not many other schools after high school.
College History: A Journey of Learning
Red Crow Community College began in 1986. It was the fourth school of its kind for First Nations people in Canada. The Blood Tribe Education Committee guided its start. At first, it was a center for adult learning. Students could take two high school courses and one course from the University of Lethbridge. They also learned study skills.
In 1992, Marie Smallface Marule became the college president. She helped the college grow a lot. More courses and programs were added. In 1995, Red Crow became the first Tribal College in Canada. This meant it was officially run by the Blood Tribe chief and council. They took over guiding education for the Kainaiwa people.
In 2007, Red Crow College joined the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT). This happened because of its partnerships with the University of Lethbridge and the University of Calgary. This helps students transfer credits more easily.
The college celebrated its 25th birthday in 2011. Many important people have received special honorary degrees from Red Crow College.
In 2002, Red Crow Community College started the School of Kainai Studies. This school teaches about Niitsitapisskska’takssin. This is a special way of understanding the world from the Blackfoot people. It helps bring Blackfoot knowledge into college classes.
Fires at the Campus
The college campus has faced two big fires. On December 1, 2001, a fire destroyed more than half of the college library. Many valuable tribal artworks and journals were lost. Over 2,000 Indigenous-related books were also burned.
On August 14, 2015, the main building of the college was destroyed by another fire. This building used to be St. Mary's Residential School. The cause of the fire was not known for sure. However, it was thought to be from electrical problems on the third floor.
What Students Can Study: College Programs
Red Crow Community College offers many different programs. Students can earn diplomas and degrees. These programs are offered with the University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge. The college also helps adults finish their high school education. They offer other classes for the community too.
The college has a special Kainai Studies department. This department teaches about the Blackfoot/Kainai/Blood way of life. It helps Kainai members and others learn about the Niitsitapi (meaning "real" or "natural" people).
Red Crow Community College also offers a program to become a practical nurse. This is done with Bow Valley College.
Since 2007, students can earn a master's degree in social work. This program is in partnership with the University of Calgary.
The college also works with the University of Lethbridge to offer a master's degree in education. They also partner with Sinte Gleska University and Old Sun Community College. Together, they offer a master's degree in education with a focus on early childhood special education.
See also
