Why We Exist - Gakino'amaage: Teach For Canada

Why We Exist

By working with northern First Nations to recruit, prepare, and support committed teachers, we can begin to make education more equal.

THE CHALLENGE

Education in Canada is a success story, but high overall quality masks deep inequality. In 2021, only 34% of First Nations people living on reserve held a postsecondary qualification, compared to 47.6% of those living off reserve. This is significantly lower than the rate among non-Indigenous people (68%), highlighting the persistent disparities in educational attainment affecting First Nations. (Source: Statistics Canada. (2023). Indigenous People’s Access to and Participation in Postsecondary Education.)

The ongoing challenges of teacher supply and turnover exacerbate historical injustices and systemic inequities, widening the education gap further. However, the right educators can play a crucial role in bridging this gap. Gakino’amaage: Teach For Canada collaborates with education directors, principals, teachers, teacher assistants, and students in First Nations to address these issues. We focus on developing programs for educator recruitment, selection, preparation, and support. Inspired by the principles of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, our approach emphasizes culturally responsive teaching methods and fosters reciprocal learning alongside First Nations.

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PERCENT of First Nations people living on reserve hold a postsecondary qualification

THE RIGHT KIND OF TEACHERS

The right kind of teacher can help fill this gap. We work with First Nations education leaders, principals, teachers, and many others to recruit and select teachers who have the motivations, aptitude, and fit to be successful in a northern First Nation. Once selected, we provide teachers with a community-focused summer preparation program and provide ongoing support during a teacher’s minimum two-year teaching commitment in the North. Inspired by the leadership of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action on Education, Gakino’amaage: Teach For Canada teachers emphasize a spirit of reciprocal learning in the classroom and community.

Currently, there are 141 Gakino’amaage educators working in 31 partner First Nations in Northern Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan. These educators have launched student councils, coached sports teams, started music programs, led dance classes, developed school websites, hosted radio shows, organized field trips, run outdoor activities, and more. Their inspirational approach to teaching and leadership is increasing student attendance, student engagement, and student achievement.

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Gakino'amaage Educators

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First Nations in Northern Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan

JOIN THE MOVEMENT TO MAKE EDUCATION MORE EQUAL

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“My own experience of being inspired by teachers is why I support Teach For Canada. I believe that Gakino’amaage: Teach For Canada could truly revolutionize the entire country.”

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COREY COOK

Top 20 Under 20, Bloodvein First Nation