DSBN Indigenous Education Team
As part of our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation through education, our team is dedicated to improving educational outcomes for Indigenous students within our system. The goal of our collective work is to impact, educate, strengthen, and create positive changes and spaces for Indigenous students, families, and community members in our schools.
The Indigenous Education Curriculum Team works in partnership with schools to deepen the presence of Indigenous histories, languages, and perspectives across K-12 learning. Through professional development, classroom support, and collaborative planning, the team helps educators engage with authentic Indigenous knowledge and create learning environments where First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students feel represented, valued, and connected. Their work focuses on helping educators navigate authentic resources and build the knowledge needed to teach Indigenous perspectives with accuracy and respect. This includes highlighting Indigenous excellence and achievement, ensuring students learn about the strength and contributions of Indigenous peoples – past and present.
The Indigenous Student Well-Being Team works in partnership with schools to offer culturally grounded support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students. Each team member brings a unique area of expertise and works alongside school staff to strengthen relationships, build connections to culture and community, and help create welcoming, identity-affirming spaces where Indigenous students can thrive. Their support is focused and responsive to the moment of need, wrapping around students and families while helping bridge them back to the ongoing services and daily supports within their home school. Referrals are made by the school when they feel a student would benefit from additional support rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing, helping guide next steps and strengthen the relationships and supports already in place or being developed at the school.
Meet the Team Focused on Curriculum:
Student Achievement Leader for Indigenous Education – Curriculum
The Student Achievement Leader provides overall leadership for the Indigenous Education Curriculum Team and is the main contact for school administrators and educators regarding curriculum implementation. They guide the development and rollout of the Board Action Plan on Indigenous Education, coordinate professional learning across the system, and support schools in integrating authentic Indigenous perspectives into their instructional programs. They also co-chair the Indigenous Education Council, ensuring strong collaboration with community partners and alignment between system priorities and community voice. Their role ensures that curriculum efforts are coordinated, culturally grounded, and connected to board-wide goals that support Indigenous student success and representation.
Consultants for Indigenous Education
Consultants for Indigenous Education, in both the elementary and secondary panel, work alongside educators, coaches, and school teams to deepen their capacity to respectfully embed Indigenous ways of knowing, histories, and perspectives throughout the curriculum. They provide professional learning, classroom and department support, and guidance in navigating authentic, current resources. Working closely with other consultants and community partners, they help foster learning environments grounded in respect, authenticity, and strong relationships – where Indigenous students feel seen and valued, and all students engage meaningfully with Indigenous knowledge. A key part of this role is supporting the Navigator Program, a collaborative initiative that strengthens relationships between schools and the Indigenous Education Department. Each school has a volunteer teacher who serves as a Navigator – acting as a liaison, helping colleagues access guidance and curriculum materials that reflect authentic Indigenous perspectives. Consultants work closely with Navigators to build confidence, encourage collaborative learning, and support schools as they integrate Indigenous content throughout their programs.
Meet the Team focused on Indigenous Student Well-Being
Student Achievement Leader – Indigenous Student Well-Being
The Student Achievement Leader provides overall leadership for the Indigenous Student Well-Being Team and is the main contact for school administrators. They review referrals, speak with principals and vice-principals to understand student and school needs, and help decide which team member is best suited to support each situation. Their role ensures that services are coordinated, culturally grounded, and connected to the supports already available in the school.
Indigenous Support Advisors (K-12)
Indigenous Support Advisors work directly with students and families to help build a strong sense of identity and belonging at school. They support cultural connection, listen to what students need, and help families navigate school and community resources. They can connect families with Indigenous community programs, help with applications such as Jordan’s Principle or status registration, and support students during important transitions, like moving into high school or preparing for graduation.
Indigenous Student Success Teachers
These teachers help First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students with their learning. They work with classroom teachers and other school staff to give students extra academic support when needed. They can help students understand classroom work, support students in small groups or one-on-one, and help students stay engaged and on track for graduation.
Indigenous Social Worker
These teachers help First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students with their learning. They work with classroom teachers and other school staff to give students extra academic support when needed. They can help students understand classroom work, support students in small groups or one-on-one, and help students stay engaged and on track for graduation.