b'Message from the President & CEODear Friends, As the world continues to experience unprecedented challenges, Ive been thinking about the theme of this years National Gathering for Indigenous Education: The Path Forward: Taking Stock, Accountability, and Next Steps. At this time of year, it is especially meaningful that we will be celebrating this milestone together. Not only will 2022 be the first in-person Gathering since 2019, but it also marks the 10th anniversary of this unique event.Gathering together gives us a chance to engage in dialogue that is essentialHEAD OFFICEfor the health of our communities, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, justBox 5, Suite 100 as it is for the thousands of Indigenous students currently making their way50 Generations Drive Six Nations of the Grand River through the Canadian educational system. It is a system that has historicallyOhsweken, Ontario N0A 1M0 been inaccessible to them. Fax: 866.433.3159TORONTO OFFICE Walking this path together, no matter where we started or which side of the555 Richmond Street West, Suite 1002 trail we are on, is the most important part of this process. If we go forwardToronto, Ontario M5V 3B1 Fax: 416.926.7554 together in a good way, this endeavour will have a lasting impactnotindspire.camerely on the future of Indigenous youth and their communities, but alsoPublished by:the country as a whole.This issue of Indspiration magazine illustrates the many ways we can gomediaedgepublishing.comforward. Jazanne Bunting, one of Indspires Research Assistants, ponders 33 South Station Street the ways in which good mentorship can change lives. Mike Hager, IndspiresToronto, OntarioM9N 2B2 Community Outreach Co-ordinator, explores the significance of graduationToll Free: 1-866-480-4717 for Indigenous communities as well as how to have conversations aboutrobertt@mediaedge.caNATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PUBLISHING reconciliation, even if they are challenging.Maurice LaBordeIndspires Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries & Scholarships program is oneEDITOR Roma Ihnatowyczof the avenues we are using to smooth the path forward, removing barriersNATIONAL SALES EXECUTIVES to Indigenous students educational success and enabling them to pursueKristine Dudar, Derek de Weerdt,their dreams. Sue Bradley, the Program Manager, opens up about whatBrenda Ezinicki,David Tetlock, Bill Bibermakes this program unique and life-changing. And Rivers to Success, ourDESIGN SPECIALIST Indigenous mentorship program, is being re-envisioned to better supportMarisa GiesbrechtIndigenous students needs. JUNIOR DESIGN SPECIALIST Bethany GiesbrechtYou will also meet 2021 Indspire Youth Laureate Tristen Durocher and learnPRESIDENT how his artistic talents, coupled with deep connections to his Mtis commu- Kevin Brownnity and culture, informed his influential Walking With Our Angels campaign.SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT And 2021 Indspire Laureate (Public Service) Nahanni Fontaine will share herRobert ThompsonDIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT wisdom on what it takes to be a strong voice for Indigenous rights on bothMichael Bellthe national and international stages. BRANCH MANAGER Nancie PrivFrom dreams to dedication, from early learning to graduation andPublished November 2022beyond, each Indigenous students journey is unique. I invite you toPublication Mailjoin me in reflecting on how each of these journeys can move forward,Agreement #40787580and the many ways in which we can collaborate to ensure that they areAll rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any ultimately successful. means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the association.Chi miigwech,Printed on 10% post-consumerMike DeGagn FSC certified paper using soya based inks. When necessary to mail an issue in an President & CEO, Indspire enclosure, we use an environmentally-friendly, 100% oxo-degradable poly-wrap.8indspiration2022'