John Hamilton is an enthusiastic educator and proud member of the Gakino’amaage 2024 Cohort. He has been matched with the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation, where he will be teaching Physical Education and English, with additional Special Education responsibilities.
Read on as John shares his journey to Gakino’amaage, his experiences in the Summer Enrichment Program, and his excitement about returning to the classroom and embracing the North.
John Hamilton, a proud member of the Gakino’amaage 2024 Cohort, is set to teach at Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation, focusing on Physical Education, English, and Special Education.
My name is John Hamilton, and I’m about to embark on an exciting new journey, teaching in the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation, formerly known as Sabaskong First Nation. I will be stepping into the roles of Physical Education and English Teacher, along with additional responsibilities in Special Education. This opportunity represents a major milestone in my career, and I’m thrilled to begin this next chapter.
As I write this, I’m participating in Gakino’amaage’s Summer Enrichment Program, designed to prepare us for what we can expect as we move into a different part of the world. For me, most of my teaching experience has been in southern Ontario, particularly with the Durham District School Board, where I’ve spent many years. One focus of the Summer Enrichment Program is on Indigenizing the curriculum so that I can provide culturally relevant programming for the students and the community I’ll be serving.
There’s always been a pull towards the North for me. Growing up in northwestern Ontario—or what some might call midwestern Ontario—I was always close to nature. The outdoors has always held a special place in my heart, even as my career took me to the Greater Toronto Area. Despite raising a family and growing as an adult in the city, the idea of returning to the North has always lingered in the back of my mind.
Now, after 17 years as an elementary school principal, I find myself at a crossroads. This new role offers me the chance to not only give back but also to grow and learn alongside the community and the students I’ll be serving. I haven’t been in the classroom for quite some time, and this return to teaching feels like a homecoming of sorts. My hope is to learn as much as I’ll be able to give in terms of teaching.
Preparing for a new chapter, John embraces the learning and connections fostered during the Summer Enrichment Program.
During the Summer Enrichment Program, one session that particularly resonated with me was Cultural Adjustment with Randy Weekes, who spoke about the importance of sensitivity when entering a new or different culture. While I may have some intellectual understanding of what I’m stepping into, I realize the emotional and spiritual aspects are just as crucial. I’m committed to keeping an open mind and embracing this opportunity as fully as possible.
I’m also looking forward to reconnecting with nature in a way that I haven’t done in years. I haven’t fished properly since I was a boy, and the idea of getting back to that, along with other traditional practices like smoking fish or cleaning game, excites me. I’m eager to work with the community, learn these skills, and internalize the gifts that the land offers. As someone who enjoys cooking, the thought of preparing smoked fish is particularly appealing.
John Hamilton speaks during the Summer Enrichment Program closing ceremony, marking the next step of his journey North with the Gakino’amaage 2024 Cohort.
Incorporating the culture into the classroom is something I’ve thought a lot about. The Ontario curriculum, which I know well, is quite flexible. It’s about finding ways to creatively satisfy the demands of the curriculum while also reflecting the culture in which I’ll be teaching. For example, the creation story we discussed in this morning’s Land-based learning session with Nicole Bell can be integrated into a language arts program, with extensions into science and mathematics. The possibilities are boundless if you keep an open mind and work with the resources available, including the wisdom of Elders and the experience of other teachers.
A key element of the Summer Enrichment Program has been building connections, whether with staff, Teacher Development Managers, or fellow educators. I’ve made a point to extend myself to as many people as possible, knowing that these connections will be invaluable as we move forward. Even though some of us might be three hours apart, technology and our shared experiences will keep us connected and supported.
During a Land-Based Learning session led by Nicole Bell, John reads the Ojibway Creation Story.
For anyone considering going North, I would advise doing your research and preparing as much as possible. Reflect on what you want out of life and be honest with yourself about the challenges ahead. The preparatory coursework provided by Gakino’amaage has been excellent, and as someone who has done a lot of professional development over the years, I can say it’s top-notch. If you keep your eyes and ears open and develop trust in those who know the way, you’ll feel much more confident in your preparations.
As I prepare for this next step, I’m aware that this journey will be transformative. It will come with its ups and downs—there will be great days, and there will be days when I feel unsure or lonely. But I’m ready for it. Life isn’t just about the good times; it’s about learning from the challenges and building resilience. That’s what makes this adventure worthwhile.
I look forward to what lies ahead and the many lessons that the North will teach me.
John meets representatives from Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation on Meet the Teacher Day, building essential connections for the year ahead.