Indigenous Education Team
Please click on the name of the team member to know more about them.
Algonquin (Anishinaabe) from Ottawa, ON
Chantel leads the implementation of the Board Action Plan for Indigenous Education, facilitating support for school principals and vice-principals. She serves as a central department liaison and committee collaborator, while also working with Learning Support Services, including Indigenous Social Workers.
Chantel oversees the Indigenous Lived Experience Program at Gloucester High School and collaborates with Superintendency and School Operations. She is the key contact for the OCDSB and supports initiatives within the Indigenous, Equity, and Human Rights Roadmap. Additionally, works with the Safe Schools team and leads the instructional and graduation coaches for Indigenous education.
Contact: Email
Anishinaabe from Serpent River First Nation & Curve Lake First Nation
Kris supports the work of the Student Support Coordinators, as well as liaises with Learning Support Services and community-based supports for student well-being. Kris also liaises with community partners, Elders and Knowledge Keepers to coordinate services and support for Indigenous students and families.
Contact: 613-608-9764 or Email
Anishinaabe and mixed settler raised off reserve in Port Hope, Ontario.
Shelby is available to provide short-term counselling support, mental health consultation and advocacy for students. Shelby can help connect families and students to culturally specific services and help navigate services or access health-related funding sources available.
Contact: Email
Boozhoo! My name is Laura Verniest. I am originally from Swan Lake, Manitoba. I have been a guest on the unceded Algonquin territory for 24 years. I am of First Nations and Belgian immigrant settler ancestry. I identify as both Ojibway and settler.
I am a part of the Indigenous Education Team providing support to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students to achieve academic and life success. I can provide counselling, referrals to community resources, advocacy with students, parents/guardians/caregivers on a range of social, emotional and mental health issues affecting school performance. My aim is to provide culturally responsive and identity affirming care.
I support Ottawa west schools within the OCDSB.
Contact me by phone or text at 613-853-0975 or Email.
Miigwech, Merci, Thank you, Qujannamiik, Nia:wen,
Language
- Julie Ivalu, Inuktitut Language Specialist
- Ginnifer Menomenee (she/they), Indigenous Languages Coordinator
- Nina Kuppaq, Inuktitut Language Specialist
Indigenous Student Support Coordinators
She:kon/ Hello! My name is Allison Papineau. I am half Mohawk from Akwesasne near Cornwall, Ontario. My Mohawk name is Skawennetsi which means "her words are right to the point". I studied Psychology at Carleton University and have been supporting the Indigenous community for the last two years.
I can meet with students and families at your school to discuss how I can assist you to succeed on your academic journey. I offer cultural support, advocacy, one-on-one support and sharing circles.
Contact: Email
Kanienʼkehá꞉ka and mixed-settler raised off-reserve in Tiohtià:ke (Mtl)
Jade supports the academic journey of Indigenous Students from K-12 as well as their families from a holistic perspective. She offers one on one support, groups, advocacy, sharing circles and cultural connection.
Jade also works with community partners to ensure students and families are able to navigate any barriers and ensure all are connected to appropriate resources within appropriate and safe communities.
Contact: 613-915-3643 or Email
Shawnee Annishnabe Kwe. A visitor on the unceded Algonquin Territory.
Jolene supports the academic endeavours of Indigenous students from Kindergarten to grade 12 as well as their families.
She offers one to one support, advocacy and cultural connections.
Gwich'in Nation in the Northwest Territories
Ruby supports the academic journey of Indigenous Students from K-12 as well as their families from a holistic perspective. She offers one on one support, groups and sharing circles.
Ruby also works with community partners to ensure students and families are connected to appropriate resources.
Contact: Email
Wikwemkoong Unceded Territory
Nim supports the academic journey of Indigenous Students from K-12 as well as their families from a holistic perspective. He offers one on one support, groups and sharing circles. He also works with community partners to ensure students and families are connected to appropriate resources.
Contact: Email
Graduation Coaches
Inuk, Inukjuaq, Nunavik - born in Montreal, raised in Ottawa.
Jasmine supports First Nations, Inuit and Métis Students’ high school experience, engagement and success. Connecting community values, and realities to education and educators.
Contact: Email
Anishinaabe, Deer Clan, from Shawanaga First Nation
Justin works with First Nations, Inuit and Métis students at Gloucester High School to support academic, cultural, social and personal experiences. Justin also supports teachers and classes with resources, presentations and collaborative projects.
Contact: Email
Haudenosaunee- Mohawk from Akwesasne, QC. (Bear Clan)
Frankie (she/her) works with Indigenous students to ensure they have access to the social, emotional, and cultural support needed to succeed in their academic journey. She is a liaison, advocate, and above all a listener for students.
Frankie aims to provide a culturally safe space, foster a sense of community, and build capacity for the FNIM student body at Canterbury.
Contact: Email
-
For More Information
Kristin Riddell, Superintendent of Education