Pearson Canada is partnering with eight outstanding Indigenous leaders comprised of  First Nation, Inuit, and Métis individuals from across Canada. Serving as Indigenous Advisors, they will provide guidance and recommendations towards establishing improved ways of working that will support Pearson Canada’s response to the Calls to Action by embracing Indigenous truths, perspectives and traditional knowledges throughout Pearson’s policies, practices, and procedures.

The Indigenous Advisory Circle:

Shelley Charles–Mandakwe, Ojibwe Anishinaabe Elder at Chippewas Georgina Island First Nation on Lake Simcoe and Cultural Advisor and Instructor for the School of Aviation at First Nations Technical Institute, in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory

Kyla Bernard, Elementary Math and Numeracy Consultant for Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey in Mi'kma'ki (Nova Scotia)

• Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey supports the delivery of educational programs and services by the Mi’kmaq Education Act (Nova Scotia)

Cort Dogniez, Workshop Facilitator for the Office of the Treaty Commissioner; Retired Education Consultant and Métis Education Program Leader with Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools

Kaila Johnston, Supervisor for Education, Outreach, and Public Programming at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)

Cole Kippenhuck, Owner of Crow Kinship Consulting, a life coach, and an advocate for Indigenous reconciliation, 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, and social justice issues

Jarret Leaman, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer for Akawe Technologies and the Founder of the Centre for Indigenous Innovation and Technology

• Akawe Technologies is a custom software and blockchain company that believes positive social change will result from the thoughtful integration of technology

Eileen Marthiensen, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Maskwacis Education Schools Commission

Josh Morin, Director of Michif Cultural Connections the Métis Cultural Centre in St. Albert

• MCCC serves to preserve, promote, protect, and celebrate Alberta’s Métis culture