University à Allemagne

I am an educator, mother, friend, and relative from Green Lake, Saskatchewan. My mother was Métis and my father was from Flying Dust First Nation. On my father's advice, I took up a teaching position in Pinehouse Lake. I have also taught in Sandy Bay, Duck Lake, One Arrow Reserve, Muskeg Lake Reserve, and Prince Albert.

About 12 years ago, on a very cold January day, I moved to Prince Albert to prepare for my Bachelor of Education Degree at The Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP). Today, I work as a substitute teacher with the Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division in Prince Albert. I also work part-time evenings and weekends at Sylvan Learning and am working on improving my Cree language skills.

Before moving to Prince Albert, I worked at St. Pascal School as a High Cost Tutor for five years and was employed with Northern Lights School Division (NLSD). I have also volunteered and coordinated a community and school literacy program, taking over librarian duties after the retiring librarian asked me to do so.

I sat on an Aboriginal Head Start board at Mocikitaw Preschool in Green Lake and was a Role Model for the Prince Albert Métis Fall Festival. I also mentored for the Big Brothers and Sisters program in Prince Albert. Teachers and students encouraged me to pursue a university degree to become a certified teacher.

Within the community school environment, I met many people. For example, Joe Naytowhow visited and shared stories during a round dance with children in the library.

While at St. Pascal School, the superintendent told me about a program where NLSD would fund my teacher education degree, including books, tuition, and wages. The catch was that after certification, NLSD could assign me to any school needing a teacher for up to eight years. As a younger person with a family, I was cautious and declined. Instead, I learned about SUNTEP through GDI, which I completed with distinction in December 2010.

I was the first in my family to earn a university degree. My niece, Meagan Larson, also holds a degree in nursing from the University of Saskatchewan.

SUNTEP is a family-oriented program that offers extensive support. It fosters friendships and connections, and provides encouragement to students facing challenges. The program’s supportive environment, including the librarian and secretary, enriches students culturally and personally. It helped me discover my roots and contributed to my personal growth, including insights into my late mother’s contributions to a thesis about our community’s history.

Teaching has always been my passion. I love working with children, seeing their milestones, and being part of their growth. As a teacher, I wear many hats: mentor, role model, parent, social worker, nurse, and confidant.

To succeed, I advise staying focused, inspired, and present. Despite doubts and criticisms, I lived by my late mother’s words: “Don’t be shy, ask questions, be persistent, and assertive.” SUNTEP completed the journey my mother started, making me the first in my family to earn a university degree.

Having Aboriginal teachers in schools is vital. I recall a grade eight student telling me he liked the sound of Native speakers’ accents, which made me realize the importance of representation. Aboriginal students look up to teachers like me, feeling safe and inspired to share their stories. I am often told I have a strong teacher-student connection.

An effective teacher creates a positive, respectful, and safe environment, fostering a sense of belonging for all students. I believe every child is gifted and can learn to their full potential, regardless of obstacles. I strive to be motivated, innovative, and adaptable to societal and technological changes. I encourage questions and participation to promote active learning. My goal is to find the right level of instruction to maximize each student’s success.

GDI is a Saskatchewan-based institute serving Métis communities across the province.