Beyond the Curriculum: Building Hope and Opportunity for Indigenous Youth | March 30, 2022

The Empire Club of Canada Presents:

Beyond the Curriculum: Building Hope and Opportunity for Indigenous Youth

Join the Empire Club as it continues the conversation on the role of education in advancing reconciliation. 

It is a stark reality that only 11% of Ontario’s Indigenous Youth go on to pursue higher education. The reasons for this are varied and complex – but one message is clear – we must do more to support students and teachers in Indigenous communities across the country to ensure we are tapping the full potential of these talented youth to build a better, more successful, and more inclusive Canada. 

This calls for a greater understanding of how to work together to respect Indigenous ways of knowing and learning in the classroom – empowering communities to access and deliver education services and opportunities for meaningful outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic brought in-person learning to a halt, disconnecting students and redefining the delivery of education via virtual means. But for many communities, virtual resources are essential on an on-going basis to ensure that students in the north have access to same opportunities as other students nation-wide.  With limited access to educational infrastructure, resources and mental health supports, Indigenous youth in northern and remote communities have been at a severe disadvantage. What are the long-lasting impacts of this reality? And how can we address this challenge through meaningful, collaborative approaches? 

Please join us for a critical conversation with policy makers, education professionals and NGO leaders on building better and more dynamic pathways to success for Indigenous students. And why the moment is now. 

Moderator:

Lisa Kimmel, Global Managing Director, Sector Specialty Agencies, Chair & CEO, Canada, Edelman

Speaker:

Heather Campbell, Director of Education, Rainy River District School Board 

Dr. Marie Delorme, CEO, The Imagination Group 

Serei Jeppesen, Connected North School Lead & Indigenous Student Engagement Coordinator, Taking IT Global

*The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.*

*Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.*