Rooted in Tradition, Empowering the Future
Launching the Knowledge Weavers Hub
First Nations University of Canada | ITE Grant Recipient | $499,000 | Retain Stream
Region:
Indigenous educators are knowledge keepers, mentors, and changemakers—and they deserve the resources, recognition, and support to thrive. That’s the spirit behind Knowledge Weavers: The National Indigenous Educator Resource Hub—a new national initiative from First Nations University of Canada, made possible through support from the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Indigenous Teacher Education (ITE) Initiative. This transformative project is reshaping how Indigenous teaching is supported in classrooms across the country.
Following the success of Phase 1 through the National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education (NCCIE), Phase 2 of Knowledge Weavers is reimagining the platform as a scalable, digital-first hub for Indigenous educators. With enriched locally culturally grounded learning resources, kinship-driven educator networks, and ethical, evidence-based advocacy, , this project is about ensuring Indigenous teachers are celebrated and supported at every stage of their journey.
What’s New in Phase 2: Five Pillars of Action
- Micro-Credentialing for Indigenous Pedagogies
Two pilot micro-courses will offer recognized credentials in Indigenous teaching practices, with potential to scale to 200+ educators across post-secondary partnerships. - Culturally Grounded Resources
Over 50 new tools, from language resources to land-based modules, will be co-created with Elders and Knowledge Keepers to help educators bring Indigenous knowledge systems into every classroom. - Kinship Learning Networks (KLNs)
Mentorship matters. Early-career Indigenous teachers will connect with experienced educators through virtual circles and livestreams, gaining cultural, emotional, and professional support. - Digital Transformation
A reimagined Knowledge Weavers platform will launch with mobile access, AI-assisted navigation, national PD calendars, and forums to build community and share resources across distances. - Research & Advocacy for Long-Term Change
A new national baseline study will track barriers to FNIM teacher retention and advancement, leading to real-time policy recommendations that can shift the landscape.
Why It Matters: Strengthening the Circle
This initiative is built on the Seven Generations principle, knowing that what we do today shapes the futures of those yet to come. By strengthening the support network for Indigenous teachers now, Knowledge Weavers will help transform classrooms into culturally affirming, inclusive spaces where Indigenous students see themselves reflected and valued.
Over the course of the project, more than 500 Indigenous educators and teacher candidates will engage directly with the platform—and through them, thousands of students will be impacted.
By connecting educators, sharing local knowledge, and fostering mentorship, this initiative—grounded in Indigenous ethics—uplifts educators and motivates real change in education.
About the Indigenous Teacher Education Initiative
The Rideau Hall Foundation launched the Indigenous Teacher Education Initiative to grow and support a representative, culturally rooted Indigenous education workforce. Through a national Open Call, projects were selected through a rigorous peer-review process led by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis education experts.
Two funding streams—Reinforce and Retain—respond to urgent priorities in Indigenous teacher education, from scaling successful training programs to improving teacher retention and support. This project is funded through the Retain Stream which funds projects up to $500,000 that support scalable Indigenous-led solutions that help First Nations, Inuit, and Métis educators stay in the profession—and grow as leaders in their communities and classrooms.
Learn More
Explore how Indigenous communities across the country are leading education transformation.
This is just one of many regions taking bold steps. Read more about other ITE grant recipients.