Profiles of Aboriginal Educators:
Footprints for the Future
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and objectives of the Aboriginal Education and Employment Action Plan,
the Aboriginal Education Directorate has developed Profiles of Aboriginal
Educators: Footprints for the Future as a resource document for communities
and schools to use to promote education as a career choice. The booklet
captures the personal stories of some Aboriginal educators in the province
of Manitoba, highlighting how they entered the field of education,
their current positions and their words of encouragement to all learners.
The Aboriginal Education Directorate of Manitoba Education, Citizenship
and Youth and Manitoba Advanced Education and Literacy would like
to acknowledge the valuable contribution of all the educators and Elders
who shared their stories for the creation of Profiles of Aboriginal Educators:
Footprints for the Future. The Aboriginal Education Directorate would
also like to thank Rebecca Chartrand for her contribution as project
coordinator and editor.
As part of the goals
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Dear Colleagues:
We are pleased to provide you with copies of the
Profiles of Aboriginal
Educators: Footprints for the Future
which features Aboriginal educators working in
various educational roles throughout the province of Manitoba. The profile book is an
extension of the Aboriginal Educators Poster Series which highlighted educators in the
roles of teachers, education administrators, post-secondary educators and elders.
The purpose of the profile book is to promote
the field of education as a
viable career choice among high school students. Students can reflect on the personal
stories and words of encouragement provided by various Aboriginal educators working
in Manitoba. Our appreciation is extended to all the Aboriginal role models who shared
their inspirational stories for this valuable resource.
For further information or additional copies please contact the Aboriginal
Education directorate at (204) 945-7886, toll free 1-800-282-8069, ext. 7886, or at
aedinfo@gov.mb.ca.
Sincerely,
Honourable Peter Bjornson
Honourable Diane McGifford
Enclosure
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Profiles of Aboriginal Educators:
Footprints for the Future
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Elma Arthurson
7
Wanda Barker
9
Nichola Batzel Tookoome
11
Alma Orlene Bernier (Sinclair)
13
Leigh Anne Brown
15
Angela Louise Veronica Busch
17
Iris Bernice Chartrand
19
Jeff Chartrand
21
Myrna Emma Chartrand
23
Rebecca Chartrand
25
David Courchene Jr.
27
Frank Deer
29
Laara Fitznor
31
Marti Ford
33
Lance Guilbault
35
Denise K. Henning, Ph.D.
37
Wade Houle
39
Michel Hupé
41
Verna Kirkness
43
Dale Klassen
45
Myra Laramee
47
Emma LaRocque
49
Joe McLellan
51
June Montour
53
Jim Partaker
55
Andrea Lynn Redsky
57
Brian Rice
59
Garry Robson
61
Fred Sanderson
63
James Sinclair
65
Sheila Spooner
67
Dan Thomas
69
Geraldine Whitford
71
Jennifer Lee Jane Williams
73
Flora Zaharia
75
Table of Contents
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H O M E C O M M U N I T Y
Hollow Water First Nation,
Manitoba
C U LT U R A L I D E N T I T Y
Anishinaabe
C U R R E N T P O S I T I O N
Reading Clinician/ Child Guidance Clinic
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E D U C AT I O N / T R A I N I N G
Bachelor of Education,
Brandon University. Special education
Certification, University of Manitoba
Masters of Education program at the
University of Manitoba-pending
R O L E S / R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S
Provide leadership in the field of reading and literacy instruction. I conduct diagnostic clinical
assessment and program intervention for students. I consult with and support students, teachers
and parents, and provide professional development learning opportunities for teachers and parents.
Elma Arthurson
7
and my family was extremely difficult for me. Without family
support and encouragement I don’t think I would have made
it. It took me three tries to leave the reserve before I finally
stuck it out. My own son’s personal struggles with reading have
inspired me to pursue a reading clinician certificate. Today I
enjoy working with students and collaborating with teachers
within other disciplines at the clinic. I also enjoy learning
about the diverse cultures within our school system.
I believe it is important for youth to pursue a career in educa-
tion for many reasons. For one thing, we are the fastest grow-
ing population in Canada and I believe we need a more visible
representation of Aboriginal people in all areas of mainstream
society. As educators we help inform people about many
things. More specifically, as Aboriginal educators we are able
to share our truth. This truth will help create better spaces for
our families and our people because it recognizes the many
contributions we have made to the development and mainte-
nance of this country. Overall, our increasing voice and pres-
ence in all aspects of society will help create better relations
between us all in Canada.
Leaving the reserve
Hold on to what you believe
and keep on dreaming.
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