WELCOME

Welcome to the Piikani Outreach Academy and Adult Education Program.  Piikani Outreach Academy (POA) provides flexible, student-centered learning opportunities for both youth and adult learners within the Piikani Nation.

OUR PROGRAM

Our program is designed to support students who may benefit from an alternative approach to education while maintaining high expectations for academic achievement, personal growth, and cultural connection.

GUIDED BY PIIKANISSINI

Guided by Piikanissini and grounded in Piikani values, culture, and language, we strive to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where students can pursue their educational goals and build pathways to future success.

Whether students are working toward high school completion, upgrading courses for employment or post-secondary education, or pursuing the Alberta Adult Equivalency Diploma, our team is committed to helping every learner achieve their potential.

Our Mission

To provide flexible, individualized educational opportunities that empower youth and adult learners to achieve academic success while strengthening their connection to Piikani culture, language, and identity.

Our Vision

To be a community-centered educational hub that supports lifelong learning, personal growth, and meaningful pathways to employment, post-secondary education, and community leadership.

High School Outreach Program

Our High School Outreach Program provides flexible learning opportunities for students who may benefit from an alternative educational setting. However, it is important to note that the Outreach Academy only offers courses that qualify students for an Alberta high school diploma. The Outreach program does not currently offer any knowledge and employability courses.

Students can:

  • Earn high school credits
  • Recover credits
  • Complete diploma requirements
  • Work at an individualized pace
  • Access academic and wellness supports
  • Explore career and post-secondary pathways

Our goal is to help every student remain connected to learning and successfully complete their high school education.

Adult Education Program

The Adult Education Program supports adult learners seeking to complete their Alberta Adult High School Equivalency Diploma. We are also available to help individuals who have already earned their diplomas upgrade their courses to meet the prerequisites for post-secondary programs.

Services include:

  • Alberta Adult Equivalency Diploma curriculum
  • High school upgrading
  • Diploma course completion
  • Academic advising
  • Post-secondary preparation
  • Career planning support

Students come to POA from many different backgrounds and stages of life. Whether returning to school after many years or upgrading for a specific career goal, our team works alongside students to support their success.

Student Supports

Students have access to a variety of supports designed to aid in academic achievement, personal growth, and overall wellness. At POA, we understand that success is influenced by many factors beyond the classroom, including physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and cultural well-being. By providing academic guidance, wellness supports, cultural connections, and individualized encouragement, we work to ensure that every student feels safe, supported, and equipped to reach their full potential.

These supports may include:

  • Academic advising
  • Success coaching
  • Wellness supports
  • Cultural supports
  • Elder support
  • Post-secondary planning
  • Scholarship and funding guidance
  • Technology support
  • Community resource referrals

Our philosophy is simple: when students feel supported, they are better able to achieve their goals.

Culture & Community

At Piikani Outreach Academy, culture is not viewed as a separate subject; it is an essential part of who we are and how we learn.

Guided by Piikanissini, the Piikani way of life, we recognize that education extends beyond academic achievement. True learning involves developing the mind, body, heart, and spirit while strengthening a student’s connection to their identity, community, and responsibilities as a member of the Piikani Nation.

Our programs strive to create opportunities for students to reconnect with culture, language, history, and traditional knowledge while pursuing their educational goals.
Through these experiences, students build a stronger sense of belonging, confidence, and pride in who they are.

Students may have opportunities to participate in:

  • Blackfoot language learning and language revitalization initiatives
  • Elder teachings and traditional knowledge sharing
  • Cultural presentations and workshops
  • Traditional arts and crafts
  • Land-based learning experiences
  • Harvesting and traditional food teachings
  • Community celebrations and cultural events
  • Powwows, ceremonies, and special cultural gatherings
  • Traditional games and physical activities
  • Community service and leadership opportunities

POA values the knowledge and guidance of Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, and cultural leaders who help connect learning to the lived experiences and traditions of the Piikani people.

By combining academic learning with cultural teachings, we aim to support the development of confident, capable learners who are prepared for future success while remaining grounded in the values, traditions, and strengths of the Piikani Nation.

Student Success

Since opening its doors, Piikani Outreach Academy has experienced significant growth and continues to support increasing numbers of youth and adult learners each year.

POA student success highlights include:

  1. Increased student enrollment – the POA has grown by 600% since opening its doors.
  2. High school diploma completion
  3. Alberta Adult Equivalency Diploma completions last year, the POA had 13 graduates
  4. Successful transitions to post-secondary education: numerous students have been accepted into post-secondary programs, including the University of Alberta ATEP.
  5. Employment and career advancement for adult learners
  6. Strong partnerships with community organizations and educational institutions

Contact Us

Piikani Outreach Academy & Adult Education

Location: Brocket, Alberta

Phone: 403-965-3910
Email: POA@piikani.ca

Office Hours:

August 27th, 2026 – June 25th, 2027
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Thursday
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Friday
Closed Saturday, Sunday, and all Stat Holidays.

For questions about registration, programming, or student supports, please contact our office.