Build from Within: First three Indigenous students to graduate WSD’s Indigenous educator program

Joanna Lawrence, Mackenzie Taylor and Sara Vandal recently became the inaugural graduates of Winnipeg School Division's visionary Build from Within program. 
  
Build from Within, Ozhitoon Onji Peennjiiee, program supports Indigenous high school students, offering a structured learning program that begins in Grade 11 and ends with earning education degrees and teaching positions within WSD. Students stay connected to culture and community while earning their credentials.

The graduates’ achievement represents more than personal success. It marks a pioneering partnership that changes the future for Indigenous youth in Winnipeg.  
  
Build From Within is the vision of Winnipeg School Division’s Assistant Superintendent of Indigenous Education, Rob Riel and the Indigenous Education team. Winnipeg School Division collaborated with partners at University of Winnipeg for academic excellence, as well as the Winnipeg Foundation and Indspire for additional support.

Perhaps the strongest indicator of the program’s success: all three graduates have secured teaching positions in WSD Schools for the fall. Taylor joins Isaac Brock's Indigenous bilingual program, while Lawrence will teach Grades 1 and 2 at Strathcona School, and Vandal joins Ralph Brown School to teach their Grades 5 and 6 students.  
  
They enter classrooms as confident, culturally grounded educators ready to inspire the next generation. 

However, their path wasn't easy. In 2017, Lawrence, Taylor and Vandal started the program as nervous 16-year-olds, leaving behind a familiar high school for a learning adventure.

"It was a lot for a young person who left their friends and high school to attend a big university," explains Lawrence. 

The Helen Betty Osborne Building at University of Winnipeg became their home. Named after a 19-year-old from The Pas who dreamed of becoming a teacher before her untimely murder in 1971, the building held deep meaning for the young Métis students.

"The building became more than a place to study," says Lawrence. "It was a place where we built friendships, grew in our academics, and created many amazing memories." 
  
The program also strengthened identity alongside academics. "I grew up struggling with an identity that I had the right to learn about, but never the opportunity to do so," says Vandal. Her Indigenous grad coach at St. John’s High School, Stephanie Cochrane, helped her realize that Build From Within was the perfect program for her to join. 

The networks developed over their seven years of study will serve the young teachers well for their entire careers. They met regularly with WSD senior administration staff and trustees, and they learned under many talented teaching staff across WSD.    

"Through the program’s support and dedication to our future, I know that we can and will make a difference in Indigenous education," says Taylor. 

The program continues to expand, and more cohorts are following in the footsteps of the original three. The program now houses at Niji Mahkwa School, creating a wonderful community connection.

Tec Voc High School's Indigenous drumming group, the Good Heart Elk Singers, performed an honour song at the celebration event at Fort Gibraltar.