By Geoff Smith (@GeoffSmithLNN on Twitter)

Retiring Kainai superintendent looks back at successes, challenges

Feb 5, 2018 | 4:41 AM

BLOOD RESERVE – Thirty years ago, Richard Fox applied for a job as principal in a brand new school division.

The Blood Tribe was taking over its own education from the federal government, and Fox left his job with what was then the Cardston School Division to join the new effort. In July, Fox will retire as superintendent of the Kainai Board of Education, after 12 years in the position. In an interview, Fox said it’s time to allow others to advance in their careers.

“The experience was truly genuine,” Fox said in an interview. “I appreciate the opportunity of getting to know individuals on a bit of a personal basis, the challenges that we had, and the rewarding experiences that were accomplished.”

Among those accomplishments Fox cites are capital projects, getting out of deficit, working with neighbouring school boards, and improving graduation rates. He recalled when he started, a consultant from the University of Lethbridge advised the new school division a number of their students would not succeed.

“I have to admit, for the most part, the individual was right, the professional was correct,” he said. “But that’s not the case today. And that’s what I think is going to really, overall, help the Blood Tribe as we move forward. And we’re going to see more and more of our people take on the professional positions that are out there.” He said over the years they’ve become better able to control and handle situations, but it’s an ongoing process to maintain a high work ethic and educational standard.

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He added they started to see a lot of local graduates get into teaching themselves. The numbers have since shifted, as young people seek other professions, but Fox said that’s also a good thing. His goal has been to improve the quality of life for everyone when they leave school.

“I guess one of the regrets – one of the challenges that we have not been able to resolve is the addiction situation that’s out there. It’s not just on the Blood Reserve, it’s throughout Alberta and Canada. I’ve seen the innocence, the devastation of the Fentanyl crisis, and how it affects the children, the families, young families. I truly hope that will be a focus, on how as a community we can resolve those issues.”

He said there are good candidates that could be chosen from within to succeed him, and they’ll be aware of the challenges. But he also says the trustees are enthusiastic in their support for a better education.

Fox added a better understanding of their own culture and self-worth would help them succeed later in life.

“I think if that was in place, and that’s what’s definitely happening now, and how we’re working towards that, we will see a better quality of First Nation individuals from the Blood Tribe, willing to work in the community, and really make a difference serving that community, for the betterment of all our nation.”