Indigenous Education
Indigenous Support Workers: Jeannie McDonald
Indigenous Curriculum Support Teacher: Lelaina Jules
The Indigenous Education program is offered to all students from Monday to Friday from 8:40 am to 3:40pm. Indigenous ancestry (Status, Non-Status, Metis or Inuit) self-identification can be completed on a voluntarily basis and may extend several generations back in your family history. Self-identification can allow for students to participate in cultural opportunities offered by the Indigenous Education Department.
Here at Mark R. Isfeld, our Indigenous Support Workers are Jeannie McDonald.
Jeannie McDonald has been a guest on this beautiful territory since January 2017. Her family heritage includes Metis, Cree, French, Norwegian, and Dutch roots. Jeannie has loved working in schools since the fall of 2001. On her life journey she is continuously working to deepen her cultural connections spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Thanks to the support from this community Jeannie is grateful for the opportunities available for growth in the Comox Valley.
Lelaina Jules is our Indigenous support teacher at the district high schools. She is a Hesquiaht, which is one of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. Additionally, she has been a guest in the unceded K’omoks traditional territories now for a full year. She is excited to be, once again, working with teachers about engaging ways that we can weave Indigenous content into all subject areas.
Our vision and commitment is to provide student support to foster a sense of belonging, cultural identity and self-esteem. We aim to increase academic success through personalized learning in turn assisting in building student skills, qualities, and confidence in leadership. We will work to increase awareness and understanding of First Nations, Metis, Inuit history, traditions and the culture of all students.
We look forward to an exciting and eventful year. If you have, any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Phone: (250) 334-2428
Indigenous Education Events:
- Every Tuesday at lunch INED will offer beading lessons for all interested.
- Every Thursday INED will be offering 7 Sacred Teachings Yoga. This class will run from 12:15-12:45 pm during the lunch hour. Please see Jeannie for your yoga waiver.
- Every Tuesday is Family Night in the Lake Trail School gym from 6:00-8:00 pm for all Indigenous families.
