Made in Saskatchewan

Following Their Voices is a made-in-Saskatchewan educational initiative based on research conducted with Métis and First Nations engaged and disengaged students, parents/caregivers, teachers and school administrators about what is needed in order to be successful as a First Nations or Métis student in school. The "voices" of these groups of people identified three themes: enhancing relationships between students and teachers; creating structures and supports for teachers and school administrators to work together to improve teaching and learning interactions with students; and, creating safe, well-managed learning environments. Further analysis identified three Understandings and six Indicators.

The Understandings represent the perspectives or positions required of schools to foster changed relationships, environments and interactions to better meet the needs of Métis, Inuit and First Nations students. The Indicators represent the actions that must be implemented by teachers and administrators to ensure learning is joyful, culture is affirmed and students are given real choice for their future. Together, the Understandings and Indicators form a powerful framework for all Following Their Voices processes and practices.

Following Their Voices continues to use research to guide implementation. Please see the following studies: 

• (2022) External Program Review for the Following Their Voices Initiative was undertaken to highlight strengths and provide targeted recommendations to support continued development and growth. Data was gathered through a review and analysis of the website, including the tools, reports and resources used for implementation. Additional data was gathered through discussions and focused conversations with staff, members of the leadership team and key stakeholders. A set of recommendations were provided in three areas:

  • areas of immediate address;

  • areas for continuation; and,

  • considerations for future direction.

• (2022) A study of three schools’ use of data to improve practice and Indigenous student outcomes examined the role that leaders, both formal and informal, play in fostering the use of data to inform decision-making.
• (2021) Following Their Voices Meta-synthesis examined the degree to which 11 second year schools successfully incorporated Following Their Voices processes and practices into their daily work.
• (2018) Following Their Voices: Framing the context, analysis of early data, and recommendations for next steps examined the extent to which the initiative is likely to impact Indigenous student achievement, what the early evidence suggests and recommended adjustments to enhance the effect and improve outcomes.
• (2018) Following Their Voices: A Developmental Journey provides an overview of the development of the initiative from 2013 to 2018.