Great teachers have the power to change lives. For Indigenous youth, having an Indigenous teacher can mean seeing themselves reflected in a position of leadership, empathy, and cultural understanding.
At the Rideau Hall Foundation, we believe transforming Canada’s education systems to better support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students must include growing the number of Indigenous teachers and elevating Indigenous ways of knowing, teaching, and learning. This commitment guides our Indigenous Teacher Education Initiative.
This work matters deeply at the community level. It also matters nationally. Indigenous youth are the fastest-growing demographic in Canada. Expanding Indigenous teacher education strengthens student outcomes while contributing to long-term community wellbeing and participation in the workforce and economy in the years ahead.
On February 22, communities marked National Indigenous Teachers Day, recognizing the vital role Indigenous educators play in classrooms and communities. To honour the day, we are excited to share new voices from Indigenous teacher education across Canada.
Hearing directly from Indigenous educators
At the centre of this work are Indigenous educators themselves. Through our Story Corner video series, students, instructors, and program leaders reflect on what Indigenous teacher education has meant in their own lives. Each story offers a personal perspective on why these pathways matter.
Indigenous Teacher Education Across the Map
Indigenous teacher education is deeply connected to place, language, and community. Our interactive Indigenous Teacher Education Program (ITEP) Map highlights programs across the country and shows where and how Indigenous-led teacher education is taking shape. This month, we have added two new stories, expanding the picture of what Indigenous teacher education looks like from coast to coast to coast.
What the research is showing
Research is helping deepen our understanding of what Indigenous teacher candidates and educators need to thrive. Across studies, one message is clear. Support systems matter. Mentorship. Wrap-around care. Culturally grounded program delivery. Strong community connection. When these elements are in place, teacher candidates are better positioned to complete their programs and step confidently into classrooms.
More Voices, More Stories
These stories represent just a glimpse of the work unfolding across the country. Together, they reflect the care, commitment, and vision shaping Indigenous teacher education today, creating space for the next generation of educators to step forward and thrive.
