Supporting First Nations student mental health
Press Release
Aug 15, 2025
Alberta’s government is awarding $4.2 million to improve learning and mental health supports for First Nations students.
Supporting mental health is a key priority for Alberta’s government. To help ensure that First Nations students have the supports they need, and to help meet the diverse learning and mental health needs of K to 12 students in on-reserve schools, Alberta’s government is providing 27 First Nations with up to $4.6 million for the 2025-26 school year.
“Strong mental health and learning supports are crucial to helping students build resilience and succeed in school. We’re proud to work with First Nations education partners and communities to support the success and well-being of First Nations students. This grant will empower communities to deliver the learning and mental health supports that are right for their students.”
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare
First Nations with at least one on-reserve school were invited to apply for the Specialized Learning and Mental Health Supports for First Nations Grant in May. Recipients will receive funding for the upcoming school year and will have the flexibility to use the dollars in a way that best supports their students.
“This grant will give students on First Nations another tool in their toolbox to set them up for success. Building mental wellness in youth not only improves academic outcomes but lays a foundation for a lifetime of positive mental health practices.”
Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction
“This grant supports programming at Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council Education Authority that improves the student experience and contributes to greater student engagement and outcomes. This funding enables us to provide programs such as equine assisted learning, occupational therapy, and mental health and family liaison supports that increase family engagement in education and student attendance.”
Daphne Mai’Stoina, superintendent, Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council Education Authority
Additionally, through Budget 2025, Alberta’s government is providing public school boards with almost $94 million in the 2025-26 school year to support self-identified First Nations, Métis and Inuit students.
“This funding ensures that resources are going where they’re needed most – into the hands of communities who know their students best. By supporting specialized learning and mental health initiatives, we’re helping First Nations students thrive in school and beyond. These grants reflect our commitment to building brighter futures for Indigenous youth across Alberta.”
Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations
Quick facts
- Specialized learning supports eligible for funding include, but are not limited to:
- hearing, vision and complex communication needs
- emotional and behavioural needs
- family school liaisons
- occupational and physical therapy
- Mental health supports eligible for funding include, but are not limited to:
- staff training on social-emotional learning
- hiring a wellness coach or counsellor to offer in-school support
- providing social-emotional education in classrooms
- The grants are being awarded to (with funds remaining available to additional eligible First Nations):
- Bigstone Education Authority
- Cold Lake First Nation
- Dene Tha’ First Nation
- Driftpile Cree Nation
- Fort McKay First Nation
- Frog Lake First Nation
- Heart Lake First Nation
- Kainai Board of Education
- Kapawe’no First Nation
- Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council Education Authority
- Kehewin Cree Nation
- Kitaskinaw Education Authority
- Little Red River Board of Education
- Maskwacis Education Schools Commission
- Mikisew Cree First Nation
- O’Chiese Education Authority
- Paul Band Education Authority
- Peigan Board of Education Society
- Siksika Board of Education
- Stoney Tribal Administration
- Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation
- Sunchild First Nation
- Swan River First Nation
- Tallcree Tribal Government
- Tsuut’ina Nation Education Department
- Whitefish Lake Education Authority
- Woodland Cree First Nation Education Authority
Related information
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