Build From Within, Ozhitoon Onji Peenjiiee Cohort 2 Graduation

The second cohort of graduates from the Build From Within, Ozhitoon Onji Peenjiiee, program was celebrated alongside family, friends, mentors, and supporters during an evening that recognized both achievement and perseverance. This year’s graduates, Kailynn Kopychanski, Rainey Raven, and Malaihka Siemens, marked an important milestone in a journey that began in high school and continues toward careers as educators within Winnipeg School Division.Build From Within Graduates: Kailynn Kopychanski, Rainey Raven, and Malaihka Siemens.Build From Within supports Indigenous students on a pathway into education, beginning in Grade 12 and continuing through university studies and classroom internships. Through a partnership between Winnipeg School Division, The University of Winnipeg Faculty of Education, Indspire, and community service providers, students receive academic, cultural, mentorship, employment, and financial supports while working toward becoming teachers in WSD schools.

Build From Within Graduates with WSD Team.The program recognizes and builds on the unique strengths and experiences of Indigenous students while helping create future educators who are passionate about giving back to their communities.

Surrounded by their families, each graduate received a star blanket during the celebration honour that recognizes accomplishment, care, and the support of community carried throughout a person’s journey. Throughout the evening, the graduates shared heartfelt speeches reflecting on their experiences in the program, the challenges they overcame, and the encouragement they received from the Build From Within team along the way. Their words highlighted the strength, resilience, and commitment that carried them to this moment.

Malaihka Siemens Build From Within Graduate 2026.The celebration also included special performances that honoured the graduates and the journey they have completed. The Oshkii Ogitchidaa (Young Warriors) Drum Group at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute shared an honour song, and Build From Within students Anaka Toews and Kyla Fontaine performed a hand drum song.

Oshkii Ogitchidaa (Young Warriors) Drum Group at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute.

Build From Within students Anaka Toews and Kyla Fontaine.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration and journey possible, including the Build From Within team: Amanda Normand-Telenko, Robyn Flamand, Krista Goring, Anna-Maria Pozzi with The Winnipeg Foundation, and Kirk Dowson, Manager of Access Education at The University of Winnipeg.

Kirk Dowson Manager of Access Education- The University of Winnipeg.Next year, Rainey Raven will be teaching Grades 5/6 at Lord Selkirk School, Malaihka Siemens will be teaching Grades 5/6 at Kent Road School, and Kailynn Kopychanski will be teaching Grades 5/6 at Norquay School. We look forward to seeing where their journeys lead next and the many ways they will continue inspiring future generations of students through their work in education.Build From Within 2026 Graduates joined by the first cohort graduates.