b'Message from the President & CEOWords matter. Perhaps, at this time of the year, they matter more than ever. Its no coincidence that we host educators from across Turtle Island during National Indigenous Education Month. We know that sometimes the pivotal point in someones life journey comes from whos standing at the front of the classroom every morning, speaking words of encouragement, understanding and wisdom.Although this time of year brings with it certain challengesthe waning daylight, the growing cold, many personal and professional commitmentsit also provides a valuable space to reflect and plan for future growth. (After all, some things can only be planted, and some stories can only be told, in the autumn.) The National Gathering for Indigenous Education is perfectly timed to coincide with this special time of year, and in this issue, weHEAD OFFICEreflect on the import of last years National Gatheringthe first in-personBox 5, Suite 100 50 Generations Drive Gathering since 2020, and one which shattered all previous attendanceSix Nations of the Grand River records. The 2023 Indspire Awards was also a significant opportunity forOhsweken, Ontario N0A 1M0 reflection, since 2023 marked the 30 thanniversary of the Awards and threeFax: 866.433.3159decades of celebrating Indigenous achievement. TORONTO OFFICE 555 Richmond Street West, Suite 1002 Reflection is a critical part of any meaningful process. Not only does it revealToronto, Ontario M5V 3B1 Fax: 416.926.7554 insights that could have been hidden to a cursory glance, it also ensuresindspire.cathat we make the most of every learning opportunity to continually improvePublished by:outcomesnot just for our organization as a whole, but also for Indigenous students and First Nations, Inuit and Mtis communities across Turtle Island. In this issue of Indspiration, Shawna DAntimo, a researcher with Indspires Research & Impact Unit, explores how this kind of reflection with data canmediaedgepublishing.comuncover powerful truths about Indigenous education. 33 South Station Street Toronto, OntarioM9N 2B2 Toll Free: 1-866-480-4717 Each year, as we think about the type of content were going to showcaserobertt@mediaedge.cain Indspiration, we not only think about which individuals have inspired us,NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PUBLISHING we also consider what this means for Indigenous education as a whole. MikeMaurice LaBordeHager, Indspires Community Outreach Co-ordinator, explores how standardsEDITOR and expectations dont have to be at odds in the classroomand howRoma Ihnatowyczimportant it is for teachers to not only be realistic, but to keep persisting inNATIONAL SALES EXECUTIVES the face of shifting expectations and circumstances.Bill Biber, Derek de Weerdt,Kristine Dudar, Ashley Huston,Indspires Rivers to Success: Indigenous Mentorship program is one ofScott Reidthe many ways in which were helping to empower Indigenous students,SENIOR DESIGN SPECIALIST removing barriers to their educational success and enabling them to pursueMarisa GiesbrechtDESIGN SPECIALIST their dreams. Chelsea Reid, one of the programs Mentorship Officers, talksBethany Giesbrechtabout what makes this program special in a life-changing waywhile JuliePRESIDENT Wildgoose, Director of Programs & Student Success, reveals how Rivers isKevin Brownjust one part of a department thats had an exceptional year supportingSENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Indigenous students. Robert ThompsonBRANCH MANAGER Youll also meet 2023 Indspire Laureate Lori Campbell and learn how herNancie Privjourney into academia was informed by her experience as a Sixties ScoopPublished October 2023survivor. And 2022 Guiding the Journey Award recipient Marika SchallaPublication Mailshares her thoughts about what she takes to her own classroom every day,Agreement #40787580both the tangible and the intangible things. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any In this season of change, we continue to believe that words matterand, asmeans, in whole or in part, without the prior you read this issue, we hope youll agree.written consent of the association.Chi miigwech, Printed on 10% post-consumerFSC certified paper using soya based inks. When necessary to mail an issue in an Mike DeGagn enclosure, we use an environmentally-President & CEO, Indspire friendly, 100% oxo-degradable poly-wrap.6indspiration2023'