Learning Opportunities

Terry Lynn Cook (M.Ed. School Leadership and Improvement):  Terry Lynn is a member of the Métis Nation District 21. Her maiden name is Cunningham and she was raised in Northern Alberta in a Métis family lifestyle. She conducted qualitative and quantitative research for her Masters Degree in Education, from the University of Alberta with a focus on “High School Completion as Voiced by Indigenous Youth”.  She also completed a needs assessment for the Alberta Teachers Association during her employment as a Walking Together consultant. Additionally, as a former ARPDC First Nations, Métis, Inuit consultant, Terry Lynn worked with all schools located in the 8 Métis Settlements. In her former role as Director of Curriculum and Instruction, she led a team to contextualize the current Alberta Curriculum for a First Nation Authority. This curriculum is shared with other school jurisdictions within Northern Alberta and has been accepted by many as a curriculum from a Indigenous lens.

Tansi, Wapastim N’Sihkasoon. Hello, my name is White Horse. My colonized name is Jason Bigcharles. I am a father of 7 and grandfather of 17. I am proudly Metis from the Metis settlement of East Prairie. I have lived in the East Prairie Metis Settlement my whole life thus far. I have been a teacher for 20+ years and taught various grade levels before moving into educational leadership for the past 13 years. Although I am Metis, my family is deeply rooted in Cree cultural practice and spiritualism. We continue to maintain a very high subsistence lifestyle, carrying on those traditions. Currently I am an Independent Education Consultant specializing in FNMI content and curriculum. I have specialized experience in administering Culture-Based-Learning Camps and cultural teachings to students of all ages which focus on traditional Land-Based teachings of the Woodland Cree Peoples and Metis both traditional and contemporary while infusing curriculum into lessons. I am a powwow dancer, storyteller, hunter, trapper and medicinal plant gatherer and knowledge keeper. Most of my time, aside from work, is spent on the land hunting, trapping, gathering medicinal plants, passing on teachings and visiting elders. Along with being dedicated to my traditions and spiritualism, I am also dedicated to lifelong learning and the belief that learning never stops. K’ninaskomitin (I am grateful, and my spirit is lifted by you)

Cassandra Mercer is a Cree-Metis from Northern Alberta. Her maternal family roots are from the Peavine and Kinuso Metis Settlements.  Cassandra earned her Bachelor of Elementary Education degree from the University of Alberta and currently teaches Grade 4 for Grande Prairie Public School Division. She is also an Indigenous Representative for the Alberta Education Math 5-9 Curriculum Working Group.

Cassie and her husband enjoy spending leisure time on Lesser Slave Lake with their four wonderful children, friends and extended family members. She is very passionate about her role as Indigenous Education PD Facilitator in Region A for the Alberta Teacher's Association and sharing her foundational knowledge with other educators and colleagues.