ST. PAUL – After the process to appoint a First Nations trustee on the St. Paul Education board of trustees began back in February 2017, allowing for representation from surrounding First Nations communities, the position has finally been filled.
Residents who live outside St. Paul Education’s division boundaries, and within surrounding First Nations communities, cannot vote in school board elections, although students from those communities often attend schools within St. Paul Education.
“The Board recognizes that a significant number of its students are of First Nation heritage and reside outside of the legal boundaries of the Division,” ready the school division’s Board Policy.
So, the decision to appoint a First Nation trustee was made.
During the Nov. 9 board of trustees meeting, Melvin Abraham was officially appointed as the First Nation trustee effective immediately. He will serve in the position until April 30, 2024.
Abraham is from Frog Lake First Nations and is Heinsburg School alumni.
According to Abraham, he understands the creation of the First Nations trustee position has been a long process, and he is “very excited” and looks forward to what lies ahead.
“I believe education is our new buffalo in our First Nations,” he said. In the past, First Nations used buffalo for a long list of things, from food to clothes and more, learning the animals’ movements and relying on the animals as a community.
“Education is our buffalo today because, without education, you’re not going to see your dreams,” says Abraham.
Abraham says that being a former police officer, he will use the experiences and perspectives gained to his benefit, offering advice on improvements in the education system.
“Then, you can work on it to strengthen it,” says Abraham. “In this case, it’s the students – we need the best for the children.”
Abraham served 10 years as a police officer. After retirement, he became the Ceremonial Elder and the Chairperson of the Morning Sky Health and Wellness Society in Frog Lake First Nations.
He is also as an Aboriginal Advisory Committee Member with the Eastern Alberta District of the RCMP “K” Division as a Commanding Officer, “which means this corner of Alberta is my responsibility.”
“I also sit as a committee member with Indian Oil and Gas Canada/Indian Resource Council of Canada Joint Technical Committee 1,” says Abraham.
He is also a member of Enbridge's Line 3 Indigenous Advisory Monitoring Committee (IAMC).
“Melvin’s life experience, cultural background and professional demeanour will be a great asset to our Board of Trustees,” says St. Paul Education board chair Sylvie Smyl.
According to the board’s policy, the communities of Saddle Lake, Whitefish (Goodfish) Lake, Frog Lake and Kehewin, are invited to “jointly recommend a mutually agreed upon trustee nominee to serve the Board.”
“The First Nation trustee shall have all the rights and obligations of trustees elected under the Local Authorities Election Act,” reads the policy.
