H O M E C O M M U N I T Y
Peguis First Nation
C U LT U R A L I D E N T I T Y
Cree
C U R R E N T P O S I T I O N
Instructional Advisor, Manitoba First Nations
Education Resource Centre
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we all have obstacles to overcome in our lives to achieve our
goals. Personally, I cannot recall having had any major obstacles
that kept me from going to school because when I was working
on my undergrad degrees I was fortunate to have the support
and encouragement from my family. However, I did have to
make the decision to leave my community and province to
attend the university of my choice. It was a great experience and
one that I have never regretted. I
also had a very difficult time with
mathematics, but one way I over-
came this was to focus, focus, fo-
cus and of course, attend regular
tutoring sessions. Today, within
my profession, I love the fact that
although I do not teach in the
classroom I am still very much
involved in education. I also love
the fact that I have the opportu-
nity to work with adults in First
Nation communities throughout
Manitoba.
There are always people in our lives who inspire us. We just
need to take the time to really look at the people around us
to admire or appreciate the work they do. I would have to say
there were many people who inspired me to be where I am
now. Growing up in a First Nation community always led me
to believe that we can make our lives better through education
and contribute back to our communities so that our commu-
nities can be better places to live. I hope to encourage more
youth to pursue education as a career because we need more
Aboriginal teachers in our communities, particularly teachers
in mathematics and science. They will help our youth pursue
careers in the areas of health and science. Our communities
are in a state of healing, and we need our own people to help
us heal.
June Montour
E D U C AT I O N / T R A I N I N G
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education
Currently completing Masters in
Education – Adult Education and
Post Secondary Studies.
Do not be afraid to venture out on your own.
There are so many great opportunities out there
for Aboriginal youth. Believe in yourself and be
proud of your cultural identity.
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I realize that
R O L E S / R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S
My role is to provide professional support for teachers at the community level who teach
Para-educator courses offered through the MFNERC that is accredited by the University
College of the North (UCN).
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H O M E C O M M U N I T Y
St. Claude, Manitoba
C U LT U R A L I D E N T I T Y
Métis
C U R R E N T P O S I T I O N
Teacher
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I always had the goal of attending university, even at a young
age. There was something in me that knew that if I believed in
myself I could achieve the goals I set in my life. My teachers
and coaches were my role models who inspired me to pursue
my goal of being a teacher. I realize that I had to make an im-
portant decision to get where I am today. I really enjoyed track
and field but also wanted to pursue my goal of completing uni-
versity. I chose university and put all my effort into completing
my studies. Today, I enjoy my work as an educator because I
get to see the achievements of my students and I enjoy watch-
ing them grow and excel throughout the school year. I also
enjoy the school I teach in. I teach in a small community and
appreciate the advantages of knowing everyone.
I believe many other youth would benefit from being a teacher
because education has many rewards that are more important
than money. To be honest, if money is all you desire then edu-
cation may not be the field for you. Education is a profession
that allows you to build meaningful relationships with many
people. It will leave you with many memories that enrich your
own life and that allow you give back to society in a meaning-
ful way. If this appeals to you then education is for you. Being
an educator continually forces you to be a lifelong learner and
opens your mind to new ideas and helps you learn to live life
in a good way. I have experienced some successes and some
failures, but the experiences I get from working with students
will never be forgotten.
I enjoy the opportunity I am given as a teacher to help youth
understand the value of education. I also have the opportunity
to coach students in many sports. My background in sports has
provided me with many opportunities and it has allowed me to
have many wonderful experiences, I can give back those expe-
riences to the students I now coach. There are many things you
can do with an Education degree. For example, it has allowed
me to coach sports and experience something different other
than being in the classroom. My love for coaching has allowed
me to coach many different types of sports including football,
basketball, soccer, and track and field. Through my Education
degree, I have therefore been able to stay involved in sports my
whole life. My next goal is to help mentor Aboriginal coaches.
I believe that if we train our people to be better coaches we can
go a long way to promote positive experiences for our youth in
the future. I already see a great improvement in our Aboriginal
youth in all sport areas and we need to continue taking it to
the next level. I have acquired many new skills throughout my
education and experience as a teacher that will help me work
towards these new goals.
Jim Partaker
E D U C AT I O N / T R A I N I N G
Bachelor of Education,
University of Manitoba
If you believe you can make a difference
in the life of our people than education is the
field for you. Keep in mind that you will be
challenged but that is part of the beauty of it.
Once you overcome these obstacles you get
to experience a natural high in life that comes
from your own hard work and determination.
Your whole life and the gift you give to
others may make the difference in creating a
better place for all of us. – Meeqwetch
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From what I remember
R O L E S / R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S
I teach elementary physical education, science, social studies art, industrial arts
and technology education. I am also a coach of many sports.
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