Build From Within students begin their journey

Students, families, educators and community partners with WSD’s Build From Within program recently gathered to celebrate its latest cohort of students.

The May 11 feast, held at R.B. Russell Vocational High School, offered an opportunity to families and educators to honour students who are embarking on their new journey in the teacher-development program.

Build From Within provides a path for Indigenous high school students to enter post-secondary education and become teachers. The program the result of a partnership with WSD, the University of Winnipeg’s Faculty of Education, Indspire Canada and other community supporters, such as The Winnipeg Foundation.

In February, the program launched a third cohort of 25 new students, bringing the total number of students to 51 enrolled across three cohorts.

Cocoon of support

Build From Within Program Coordinator Tanis Kobewka said the students in each cohort became an important support system for each other.

“Collectively, all students within each cohort provide support for one another, sharing their strengths, gifts and experiences,” Ms. Kobewka said. “One might say that we become a family and take care of one another on this incredible journey.”

Joining students and their families for the event were WSD CEO and Chief Superintendent Pauline Clarke, WSD Superintendents of Education Services Celia Caetano-Gomes and Fatima Mota, Director of Indigenous Education Rob Riel, Trustee Linda Schatkowsky, Elder and Knowledge Keeper Dr. Myra Laramee, R.B. Russell Principal Paul Krowiak, University of Winnipeg representative Ken Friesen-Cardinal (CATEP and Build From Within Coordinator), Indspire representative Sabina Singh and Winnipeg Foundation representatives Megan Tate and Kerry Ryan.

Along with meeting the newest students and sharing in a fantastic Indigenous feast served by R.B. Russell’s Culinary Arts program, guests were able to see students make a ceremonial tobacco offering to celebrate their journey.

Role models

Students in the program recognize they have an incredible opportunity to be role models and educators to a new generation of Indigenous students.

“As a future educator, my goal is to teach other Indigenous youth about culturally safe environments, leadership and to be a positive role model to children,” said student Ashley Sinclair. “I hope my classmates and I become the change we wish to see in our educational system.”

Raven Anderson, another Cohort 3 student, echoed those sentiments.

“I want to be the representation I never had growing up,” she said. “I want to teach children that being Indigenous is something to be proud of and not something to hide.”

Dr. Laramee shared her own journey to becoming an educator. In Grade 11, her guidance counsellor discouraged her from pursuing a higher education, saying she would probably just end up being married with kids. For a time, she quit school and had a family instead. She eventually returned to education, becoming a teacher, principal and earning a doctorate in the field. Dr. Laramee told students it was important to share their own life journeys with others.

“Don’t you ever be afraid to tell your story, because we need to hear it.”

Saluting The Winnipeg Foundation

Build From Within is made possible thanks to a generous contribution from The Winnipeg Foundation, which is providing a grant drawn through the Moffat Family Fund. The program’s focus on training Indigenous teachers is bringing to life the donors’ goal of leveling the playing field for Winnipeg kids and families.

The grant, which was approved in 2019, had a total commitment of $3 million to WSD over seven years. The funding covers student intern salaries to help reduce economic challenges for participants, as well as a dedicated social worker for the program. The Foundation has made two additional grants toward other components of Build From Within: $200,000 over four years for University of Winnipeg to augment staffing for the program, and $78,950 to Inspire to provide students with technology.

“Supporting Indigenous youth as role models and leaders in Winnipeg classrooms is one of the best ways we can help ensure all Indigenous students succeed at school. Build from Within is a great fit for the Moffat Family Fund, which helps children and families thrive. We are so proud of the young leaders taking part in this program and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make!” said Megan Tate, Director of Community Grants, The Winnipeg Foundation.