Joel Tailfeathers appointed Co-ordinator of Indigenous Education for Division

Lethbridge School Division is pleased to announce Joel Tailfeathers has been appointed Co-ordinator of Indigenous Education for Lethbridge School Division, commencing the 2022-2023 school year.
A proud member of Kainai (Blood Tribe) and Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), Tailfeathers welcomes the challenge of assuming the role of Co-ordinator of Indigenous Education. He looks forward to serving the students, staff, and families of the Division.
As a leader, Tailfeathers possesses a student-centered perspective. He believes all students should feel loved, accepted and safe within schools. Joel endeavours to work in collaborative partnerships that create positive school cultures based on trust, collective understandings, and strong communication. According to Joel, student success is the outcome of positive relationships and supportive school environments.
“Oki Niiksokowaiksi, Niisto Anaokok Naatoyiiniimaa. I am looking forward to the next part of my educational journey,” said Tailfeathers. “Beginning in the 2022/2023 school year I will bring all my knowledge and experience to the staff and students of the Lethbridge School Division. Lethbridge (Sikoohkotoki) is located in the heart of Blackfoot Territory, and I look forward to returning to the city to educate staff and students on the importance of Indigenous education for ALL. In the spirit and intent of Treaty 7, I want to build relations with the Lethbridge School Division and the neighboring Blackfoot Tribes (Kainai, Siksika, Piikani and Aamskaapiipiikani). I want to assist teachers, administrators and superintendents with Competency 5 of the TQS, LQS and SLQS to apply, support and ensure First Nation, Inuit and Metis Education for ALL students. I'd also like to follow through with the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.”
Assuming his new role with a breadth of experience, Tailfeathers has most recently served as an Associate Principal and teacher at Tatsikkiisaapo’p Middle School with Kainai Board of Education. Prior to working with the middle school, he was a teacher at Kainai High School.
Spanning 15 years, Tailfeathers started his teaching career in Holy Spirit at St. Francis Junior High and Catholic Central High School. He has experience teaching Blackfoot as well as Aboriginal Studies. 
Tailfeathers earned his Bachelor of Education degree majoring in Kinesiology and Native American Studies from the University of Lethbridge. He also completed his Masters of Education degree at the University of Lethbridge, majoring in Educational Leadership.