b'PROFESSIONAL Q&ATEACHING FORTHE FUTURE By Sarah B. HoodA conversation with Indspires new VP of Programs & Student SuccessI n January 2021, Indspire welcomed a new Vice President of Programs & Student Success. Rebecca Chartrand (B.Ed., M.Ed.) is Anishinaabe, Inninew and Mtis from Pine Creek First Nation on Treaty 4 Territory. She formerly served as Division Principal and Anti-Racism Lead at the Seven Oaks School Division in Winnipeg. Indspire recently sat down with Chartrand to discuss Indigenous education in Canada and how she helped make her School Division a leader in this area.How has your own experience as an award-winning Indigenous educator informed your work at Indspire?Its prepared me for the role that Im in. I have spent 25 years in education, primarily in Indigenous education, at a time when Indigenous education was emerging in the school system.Being involved in K to 12 in Winnipeg schools, part of my role has been to integrate Indigenous perspectives at all levels. One of the things I was most proud of was being a driver of the Ojibway bilingual school in Winnipeg in 2017. Ive been fortunate to be involved in so many initiatives, even though there are huge challenges in doing the work that I do. It has deep meaning for me. [As] an Indigenous woman, Ive been impacted by many aspects of our history. You get up every morning wanting to make a difference for Indigenous children.12indspiration2021'