Presentation Intro: The First Nation School Board’s literacy journey demonstrates that when we put children and families at the center of all decision-making, we can inspire system changes and what education looks like for our children. By leaning into Yukon First Nations values and following the voices of the community, the conversations have changed. Come and hear our story of how we are shifting education for our Yukon learners through the way we support school teams, communicate with families, and authentically co-govern with local First Nation Citizens.
Presenter Bio: Megan was born and raised on Treaty 6 Territory in central Alberta, the traditional territory of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, and Métis people. She is the great-great-granddaughter of European settlers with Dutch, English, and Irish ancestry. Megan began her career as a teacher and speech-language pathologist in Edmonton, Alberta. In June 2021, Megan moved to the traditional territory of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Kwanlin Dün First Nation in Whitehorse, Yukon, to work as a speech-language pathologist with rural Yukon First Nation communities. In the fall of 2022, Megan joined the First Nation School Board as the Lead Literacy Coach to support the creation and implementation of FNSB’s Literacy Plan. Guided by the wisdom of Yukon First Nation communities, the science of reading, and literacy leaders across the country, the FNSB Literacy Plan outlines an equitable and sustainable path forward for Yukon learners; a path that recognizes and celebrates every student has the right to learn to read. In the fall of 2023, a literacy team was created to support educators in implementing strong instructional teaching practices that are research- and evidence-based and reflect local knowledge.
Megan is constantly inspired by the land, the students, and the communities she has the privilege of getting to know. She believes humility, compassion, and curiosity are at the heart of this work and is grateful to be part of this journey.