FOR BAND COUNCILS
YOUR BOYS
OUR
COMMITMENT
The Emerge Academy was built in consultation with Treaty 4 leadership and Elders. We understand that sending a young man away from his community is a serious decision. Here is everything you need to know.
OUR FOUNDATION
BUILT IN CONSULTATION
WITH YOU
The Emerge Academy was not designed in isolation. It was developed through continuous dialogue with Treaty 4 leadership, Indigenous partners, and community members.
Reconciliation in Action
The Emerge Academy serves as a proactive response to TRC Call to Action #92. We embrace these calls by creating programs that are deeply rooted in cultural identity, land-based education, and guidance. These elements are integral to our daily activities, ensuring they are fundamental to the experience we offer.
Truth & Reconciliation
Commission of Canada
Traditional Knowledge Keeper
Wendall Starblanket
Indigenous Advisor and Traditional Knowledge Keeper Wendall Starblanket brings 35+ years of Indigenous leadership to the program. He leads the cultural pillar, ensuring that every Guardian remains connected to their heritage, their language, and their identity throughout the year. Cultural protocol is respected. Cultural safety is non-negotiable.
THE PROGRAM
WHAT YOUR BOYS RECEIVE
A full 10-month experience built around four pillars: Hockey, Academics, Culture, and Life Skills.
Elite Hockey
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Premier Hockey League competition
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35+ years of elite coaching
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Daily on-ice and off-ice training
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Pathway to higher levels of play
Cultural Grounding
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Land-based education
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Ceremony & storytelling
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Traditional knowledge teachings
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Indigenous guided cultural programs
Recognized Education
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Saskatchewan Flex ED curriculum
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Fully transferable credits
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Daily tutoring and study hall
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Individual academic support
Life Skills
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Cooking and nutrition
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Laundry and self care
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Financial literacy basics
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First aid and food safety
SAFETY & ACCOUNTABILITY
YOUR SON IS SAFE
ALWAYS
We understand the weight of the trust you place in us. Safety is not a checkbox. It is the foundation of everything we do.
24/7 Duty of Care
House parents provide round-the-clock supervision. The Rule of Two is applied in all high-risk settings. No student is ever unsupervised.
Background Checks
Every staff member undergoes Vulnerable Sector Checks, Criminal Record Checks, and reference verification before any contact with students.
Mandatory Training
All staff complete Safe Sport, Respect in Sport, First Aid, and CPR certification. These are requirements, for all staff and consultants.
Family Communications
Regular student progress reports are delivered to families and band councils. You are never left wondering how your boy is doing.
Travel Protocols
All travel uses approved itineraries, two screened adults, and parent/guardian communication. Medical information is carried securely on every trip.
Incident Reporting
Formal escalation procedures and documentation standards are in place. Any incident is reported to families and band councils promptly and transparently.
CULTURAL IDENTITY
YOUR HERITAGE
CARRIED FORWARD
We do not ask boys to leave their identity at the door. Land-based education, ceremony, storytelling, and traditional knowledge are woven throughout the program year. Every Guardian leaves knowing who they are and where they come from.
ENROLLMENT
HOW ENROLLMENT WORKS
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Submit an Application - Families or band councils complete the online application form. This includes the student’s school history, hockey experience, and a brief overview of why the program is a good fit. This helps our team understand each applicant before any conversations begin.
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Application Review - Our team reviews every application carefully. We look for commitment, coachability, character, and a genuine desire to grow. Athletic ability is secondary to who the young person is and who they want to become.
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Personal Follow-Up - Qualified applicants will receive a personal call or video meeting with our team to get to know the student and family, answer questions, and discuss next steps together.
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Family and Council Agreement - We formalize the arrangement with both the family and the band council. Funding pathways, communication protocols, and expectations are clearly documented so everyone is aligned.
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Orientation and Launch - Students arrive in Langenburg for orientation in September 2026. Families and council members are welcome to attend the launch event.
Our Accountability to You
The Emerge Academy Foundation is a not-for-profit organization with a Board of Directors, annual independent audits, and full regulatory compliance. Emerge Incorporated, the operating company, is fully transparent and accountable. You will always know where resources are going and how they are being used.
Let's Talk about Your Community
Cheryl Haas is available to speak directly with band council leadership. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just a conversation about your boys and what this program could mean for your community.
306-743-7271