Dustin Thorkelsson
Vancouver
Summary
BC-certified educator and Indigenous education leader with over a decade of experience supporting Indigenous youth, families, and communities through culturally grounded education and advocacy. Holds a Master’s in Indigenous Education and extensive experience in program design, outreach, and stakeholder engagement. Committed to advancing Indigenous rights, self-determination, and systemic change in child welfare.
Skilled educator with strong expertise in special education. Adept at developing tailored learning plans, employing effective instructional strategies, and fostering inclusive classroom environments. Known for collaboration, adaptability, and delivering measurable results. Proficient in behavior management, individualized education plans, and student assessments.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Vancouver School Board – Vancouver Alternative Secondary School - East Vancouver Education Centre
01.2015 - Current
- Developed an outreach program with a Youth and Family Worker to support students facing systemic and personal barriers to education, incorporating social-emotional learning and culturally responsive pedagogy.
- Collaborated with multiple stakeholders, including the Ministry of Child and Family Development, Vancouver Coastal Health, and the VSB Indigenous Enhancement Team, as part of an interagency program.
- Designed and implemented inclusive curriculum for grades 8–12 students with ministry-designated special needs, focusing on humanities and the arts.
- Collaborated with administrators, caregivers, and staff to build Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) that reflect Indigenous values, strengths-based approaches, and trauma-informed practice.
- Integrated Indigenous knowledge systems, methodologies, and content into mainstream learning across subjects.
Indigenous Education Teacher (Temporary)
Vancouver Technical Secondary, Vancouver School Board
09.2014 - 01.2015
- Monitored Indigenous student progress aligned with Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement goals.
- Partnered with school-based teams to identify student needs and co-create individualized success plans grounded in cultural and community knowledge.
Teacher (Contract)
Pacific Community Resource Society – LIFT (Learning is First) Program
09.2013 - 09.2014
- Supported academic, social, and emotional development of students in grades 8–12 in an after-school program, with a focus on transitioning from elementary to secondary.
- Worked with youth with special needs and neurodiversities, fostering safe, inclusive environments.
- Coordinated culturally relevant extracurricular activities and experiential learning opportunities.
Community-Based Field Educator
UBC & Vancouver Aquarium – School-Based Education Program
06.2013 - 06.2013
- Developed curriculum resources focused on Indigenous land and water stewardship, including shoreline clean-up initiatives.
- Facilitated K–12 programs linking environmental education with Indigenous ecological knowledge.
Ensemble Performance Artist
Full Circle First Nations Performance
09.2005 - 05.2007
- Co-created and performed cultural works that celebrated Indigenous traditions through music, dance, storytelling, and theatre.
ASSET/Student Support Worker
Aboriginal Student Services Educational Team – Chandler Park Middle School
09.2003 - 06.2004
- Delivered culturally grounded support for at-risk Indigenous students through one-on-one mentorship and workshops on drug awareness and cultural pride.
- Supervised in-school suspension programs and managed a $5,000 youth engagement budget.
Education
Master of Education - Indigenous Education
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC01.2024
Bachelor of Education - undefined
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC01.2013
NITEP – Native Indian Teacher Education Program - undefined
01.2003
General Arts Program - undefined
Malaspina University-College
01.1997
Skills
- Indigenous Child Welfare & Education
- Indigenous Governance & Self-Determination
- Policy Implementation & Program Development
- Cultural Revitalization & Language Programming
- Community Outreach & Engagement
- Special Education & Inclusive Practices
- Anti-Oppressive & Trauma-Informed Approaches
- Interagency & Cross-Sector Collaboration
- Individual education plans ieps
- Differentiated instruction
- Relationship building
- Collaborative teamwork
Certification
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (2013)
- Rediscovery International Training (1998)
- Full Circle Performance Ensemble Training (2005–2007)
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Vancouver School Board – Vancouver Alternative Secondary School - East Vancouver Education Centre
01.2015 - Current
Indigenous Education Teacher (Temporary)
Vancouver Technical Secondary, Vancouver School Board
09.2014 - 01.2015
Teacher (Contract)
Pacific Community Resource Society – LIFT (Learning is First) Program
09.2013 - 09.2014
Community-Based Field Educator
UBC & Vancouver Aquarium – School-Based Education Program
06.2013 - 06.2013
Ensemble Performance Artist
Full Circle First Nations Performance
09.2005 - 05.2007
ASSET/Student Support Worker
Aboriginal Student Services Educational Team – Chandler Park Middle School
09.2003 - 06.2004
Bachelor of Education - undefined
University of British Columbia
NITEP – Native Indian Teacher Education Program - undefined
General Arts Program - undefined
Malaspina University-College
Master of Education - Indigenous Education
University of British Columbia
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