For Denise Yassie and Brenda Duck, being an Education Assistant (EA) isn’t just a job—it’s a commitment to their families, their students, and their community in Sayisi Dene.
Denise, who has been an EA for almost two years at Peter Yassie Memorial School, originally took on the role to stay busy. But when her daughter started school, she saw an opportunity to be close to her while also helping other children learn and grow. Her cousin, Brenda, was already an EA and encouraged her to take part in Gakino’amaage’s Education Assistant Program. Their principal supported them both in the decision, knowing that strengthening their skills would have a direct impact on the students.
Denise Yassie and Brenda Duck focus on beading during a moccasin-making activity at the Education Assistant Program Learning Summit.
Brenda, an EA for three years, was drawn to the work out of a deep need to support students in her school—particularly those struggling with literacy. Having previously worked in the Health Department for six years, she pivoted to education when she realized her own child was being bullied at school. That experience pushed her to advocate for students and work on addressing behavioural challenges.
“Most times, me, Denise, and Rubina are the ones teachers go to when they need support with discipline,” Brenda says. Elder Rubina Moise, another EA at their school, was also present at the Learning Summit. At age 70, she was the oldest in attendance, bringing a wealth of experience and wisdom to the group. Brenda’s role as an EA is about more than structure—it’s about connection. She believes in celebrating students at every opportunity, including recognizing their birthdays and small successes in the classroom.
Elder Rubina Moise brings years of experience and wisdom to her role as an Education Assistant. At the Learning Summit, she shared her deep commitment to supporting students and strengthening classroom communities, inspiring fellow EAs along the way.
Denise and Brenda deeply valued the hands-on cultural components of the Learning Summit in Winnipeg. Held from January 28 to 30 on Treaty 1 territory, the Summit is part of Gakino’amaage’s Education Assistant Program, which provides specialized training for EAs working in northern and remote First Nations. The three-day event included sessions on Land-Based Learning, Social-Emotional Learning, and strategies for strengthening classroom communities. Denise especially enjoyed moccasin making and learning about sacred medicines. Brenda, on the other hand, discovered a new passion for beading—a skill she had never tried before.
Following the Summit, the learning continues through the EA Program’s Communities of Practice sessions, where EAs meet virtually to build on key topics. One upcoming session will feature Oshki-Wenjack, presenting on the Indigenous Classroom Assistant Diploma Program, alongside resources on EA certification and Bachelor of Education (BEd) programs across Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. These sessions help EAs like Brenda and Denise explore pathways to further their careers in education while staying connected to a supportive network.
For Denise, the experience strengthened her motivation to keep going: “I really enjoyed the Summit. I learned a lot, laughed, and got to know so many people. But now it’s time to get back home to my daughter.”
For Brenda, it reaffirmed her sense of purpose: “I didn’t think I would like being an EA, but after this training, I realize I do enjoy it. I see now that I have the skills and the natural gifts. I’m good at this.”
Education Assistants, Summit presenters, and Gakino’amaage staff came together at the Learning Summit, a three-day gathering dedicated to strengthening skills, sharing knowledge, and building connections to support student success in First Nations schools.
As Gakino’amaage continues to grow in response to feedback from First Nations Community Partners, new opportunities are emerging. We are exploring ways to support Indigenous teacher certification, recognizing it as a key step toward addressing systemic barriers that have contributed to the education gap and impacted student success in First Nations schools. Though still in its early stages, this work builds on the foundation of programs like the Education Assistant Program, which supports Indigenous education assistants in their roles and provides resources for those interested in becoming certified teachers.
Are you an education assistant working in a First Nations school and want to grow your skills while strengthening student success? Learn more about the Education Assistant Program at Gakino’amaage.