Indigenous Education​

Indigenous Learner Support Team – Mark R. Isfeld Secondary

We are honored to introduce ourselves as the Indigenous Learner Support Team at Mark R. Isfeld Secondary. Our goal is to support students and families through cultural connection, advocacy, and community building.

Lena Murdock – Indigenous Support Worker

Hello, my name is Lena Murdock, and I am proud to serve as an Indigenous Support Worker at Mark R. Isfeld Secondary. My first and foremost goal is to connect with our learners in meaningful and authentic ways. I’ve already found some creative ways to begin building those relationships, and I’m excited to continue deepening those connections as the year unfolds.

Whether it’s through one-on-one support, casual check-ins, or simply being a familiar face in the hallways, I’m here to walk alongside students and families. Our space is always open—a safe and welcoming place for students to drop in, connect, recharge, or just be.
Please reach out anytime!

Lena

Colleen Furlotte – Indigenous Support Worker

Kwe,
My name is Colleen Furlotte, and I am one of the Indigenous Support Workers assigned to Mark R. Isfeld Secondary. I will be at Isfeld on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I continue my role at Valleyview Elementary for the remaining three days of the week.

I am excited to reconnect with many students I’ve worked with previously and look forward to building new relationships. My goal is to support students in their academic, emotional, and cultural journeys, and to help create a safe and welcoming space for all Indigenous learners.
Respectfully, Colleen Furlotte

JoAnn Restoule – Ni’Noxsola (Knowledge Keeper) & Cultural Presenter

čɛčɛhaθɛč ǥilakas’la Anniin Boozhoo

My name is JoAnn Restoule-Bedoss, Kadow Nindizhinikaaz, a name given to me by my maternal grandmother, Deline Dokis. I am Anishnaabe – Anishnaabe Kwe, and my clans are Wajask (Muskrat) and Migisi (Eagle).

I come from Okekindawt-Dokis Bay in Ontario and have lived on the lands of the Pentłatch, E’ikʷsən, and K’omoks (Sathloot & Sasitla) for over 40 years. I honour my ancestry from the Anishnaabe-Ojibway, English, and French peoples. I am a mother of two and grandmother of four, whose roots also include the E’ikʷsən and the ‘Namigis Kwakwaka’wakw of Alert Bay.

Since 1997, I’ve worked in schools and now serve as part of the Ni’ Noxsola (Knowledge Keeper Program) and as a Cultural Presenter in Indigenous Education. I am deeply grateful to work with our youth—our future leaders—during this time of reconnection and healing.
Chi Miigwetch – All My Relations.

 Our Work Is Guided by Four Key Goals:

  • Foster Indigenous students’ sense of belonging, cultural identity, and self-esteem.
  • Foster academic success of all Indigenous students.
  • Foster awareness of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit culture and teachings with all students.
  • Foster Indigenous students’ confidence in leadership.

We are here to support, listen, and advocate for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—we look forward to a meaningful and connected school year.

With gratitude and respect,
Lena, Colleen, and JoAnn
Indigenous Learner Support Team – Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School