Taking the Blue Heron Pathway to Education

Building relationships

Beyond the introductory course, the Blue Heron Pathway offers Access students ongoing opportunities to deepen their connection with the Faculty of Education. Joint information sessions led by advisors from both Access and Education, networking luncheons with Education faculty and staff, as well as workshops with teachers in the field – some of them former Access students – help foster a sense of familiarity and belonging that inspire students and strengthen their commitment to pursuing a degree in Education. Throughout their academic journey, students continue to benefit from the holistic supports provided by the Access Program, which include personal counselling, spiritual guidance, and academic skill building – all of which contribute to their success and well-being as they work toward completing their first degree. With its strong emphasis on community building, the Blue Heron Pathway also models a core value of teaching. Jordan Flett, a third-year Access student from Norway House who hopes to return to his community as a Physical Education teacher, recalls how meaningful student-teacher relationships shaped his own school experience: “When I was in high school, I used to notice students with their teachers and how the students were full of joy. There are teachers who have that friendly, conversational, and honest attitude that kids can go and talk to. I want to be one of those teachers because they make school more enjoyable and comfortable.”

Supporting the needs of Indigenous communities

The initiative could not be more timely. “It is always an honour to guide students toward the teaching profession,” says Diedre Desmarais, Director of the Access Program, “but right now, our communities are in desperate need of these trained individuals. We are so happy to be a part of this initiative that has been years in the making.” Jan Stewart, Dean of the Faculty of Education, also stresses the need for action: “We have a serious shortage of teachers in Manitoba as well as across many parts of the country. This is particularly critical for our Indigenous communities and rural areas of Manitoba. Indigenous students need to see themselves better reflected in the schools that they attend and in the curriculum that they study. If we can encourage more Indigenous youth to be teachers, we will also be building the foundation for our next generation of educational leaders, policy makers and school administrators.” This message is not lost on students pursuing the Blue Heron Pathway – many of whom plan to return to their home communities after earning their Bachelor of Education degree. By centring the pathway in traditional Indigenous teachings, students are able to integrate both disciplinary and cultural knowledge while experiencing education through an Indigenous lens. Gherie Swampy, a student from Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation who worked in her community as an Educational Assistant prior to joining the University of Manitoba and hopes to return as a teacher, recalls one of the most powerful moments on her journey: “My most memorable experience was sitting down and listening to Elder Mary Courchene talk about her experience as a First Nations educator and what inspired her. I loved listening to her life story and what she has overcome throughout her lifetime to achieve the things she has. This helped me bring to light the kind of educator I would love to become one day.”