Fiona McKenna is an Anishinaabe educator and member of Gakino’amaage’s 2025 Cohort. This September, she began her first year of teaching in Big Grassy River First Nation, returning to her own Treaty Territory after graduating from Trent University’s Indigenous Bachelor of Education program.
In just her first weeks, Fiona has already embraced the challenges and rewards of northern education—adapting to shifting roles with optimism while finding meaningful moments that reaffirm her decision to Go North.
Fiona McKenna, a member of Gakino’amaage’s 2025 Cohort is a teacher at Pegamigaabo School in Big Grassy River First Nation.
Like many teachers in the North, Fiona quickly discovered that adaptability is essential — roles often shift to meet the needs of the school, whether because of empty positions and high turnover or to respond to barriers students face, like inconsistent attendance, limited access to supports, and resource constraints in remote settings.
Originally hired as a health and gym teacher, Fiona was asked just before the start of the school year to take on the grade 3/4 homeroom and teach math for grades 3–8. Fiona kept a positive outlook, seeing the change as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.
“It’s been an amazing experience already! I get to interact with different subjects I never thought I could teach.”
Fiona has been enjoying connecting with students and teaching in her own Treaty Territory.
In her first month, Fiona has already experienced moments that remind her why she chose to teach. One highlight came when a shy student told her that her class was their favourite. “Being a first-year teacher, I’d been worrying if students enjoyed my class,” she reflected. “To hear that lifted my whole energy and reassured me that I’m doing right by the students.”
Teaching in Big Grassy First Nation has also deepened Fiona’s connection to her Indigeneity. She has harvested wild rice, spent time with family she doesn’t often see, and shared land-based experiences with her students. One of her favourite memories so far has been fishing with her class. “Watching students reel in fish and laugh at how slimy they were—with the biggest grins on their faces—was such a heartwarming experience,” she said.
Fiona has been enjoying spending time fishing and experiencing land-based activities.
Outside the classroom, she’s embraced the rhythms of community life—fishing, spending time outdoors, and handing out treats to the neighbourhood dogs. “Life in the community is exactly what I’ve always wanted. It’s slow, but still filled with excitement.”
The shift in her teaching role could have been overwhelming, but Fiona credits her Teacher Development Manager and the fall teaching resources provided by Gakino’amaage for helping her make a smooth transition. “They made preparing for my own classroom so much easier when I had that last-minute switch,” she said.
Looking ahead, Fiona is eager to participate in professional development sessions, witness more northern lights, and continue learning from her fellow teachers and educational assistants.
As Gakino’amaage prepares to open its recruitment window this October, Fiona has a clear message for other teachers considering the leap: “The North is so welcoming, and the support of other teachers at the school is something I never dreamed of! Taking the leap to apply to Gakino’amaage is a decision that I will never EVER regret.”
Applications for Gakino’amaage’s 2026 Cohort are open as of October 1st. Like Fiona, you’ll find opportunities to grow as an educator, connect deeply with community, and experience the rewards of teaching in the North.
Learn more and apply.
Have questions? Reach out to us—we’d love to connect with you.