Kristina Zito

Passionate in the roles and responsibilities of a Mohawk (Kanyenke'ha), woman (she/her/yakón:kwe), Mother/Auntie (Ísta) and a Social Worker in Education.

Specific focus on Restorative Indigenous Educational Wellness with foundational roots that began in the exploration and creation of an Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS) Pilot (2019-2022). The ICS Pilot which evolved into a Two Row model of Indigenous Cultural Safety and a Framework and an Indigenous Culturally Immersive program, The Learning Nest (Grs 9-12). and development of an Indigenous Cultural Safety al Worker within education to contribute to intergenerational healing and wellness for all Indigenous learners, their families/caregivers and communities.

The evolution of the Indigenous System Social Worker role at HWDSB, has provided an invaluable connection bridging Restorative Indigenous Educational Wellness and the work of Mental Health and Wellbeing (Social Work Services). I excelled at HWDSB as Indigenous Knowledges are actively being reclaimed, renewed, restored and celebrated as evidenced by Cultivating Community: Reclaiming Our Spaces in Education (CC:ROSE, a board wide Indigenous student group), the creation and support of the Shakowénnakara:tats title (Indigenous Student Trustee, Mohawk translation 'they raise/lift the voices'), The Learning Nest (Culturally Immersive Alternative Indigenous Learning Program for Gr 9-12) and Professional Learning Frameworks and Tools for Staff.

Beginning with a focus on Indigenous Cultural Safety in response to the consistent and largely predictable systemic harms and disproportionalities within Child Welfare and Education, the stories and experiences contributed towards a proposal between HWDSB and the Ministry of Education, Equity Secretariat (2019 to 2022).

My growth as a Social Worker has been lovinginly shaped and continues to be healed within the Principles of the Great Law of Peace (Kayennere'kówa) which are Skén:nen (Peace), Ka'satstenhsera (Strength in Unity) and Ka'nikonhrí:yo (Good Mind). Locating myself in this way has supported my path within Education.

Two Eyed Seeing aligns with my understanding of the Two Row Wampum (or Kaswentha). Each world view is distinct and separate, but there is a space in between where we are all in relation. It is in this space that we are to greet each other with Peace, Friendship and Respect.

I have much gratitude for the shared knowledge, strengths and gifts of my ancestors.

Mental health and wellness are embedded throughout Indigenous knowledge systems, such as Words Before All Else (Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen), the First Three Strings (Condolence), the Cycle of Ceremonies and decision making based on 'the Coming Faces'.

I believe that this work begins with being human, and that when we are seen, heard, cared for and respected, this is a fertile garden for growth, exploration and healing. How this is accomplished is as important, as what is done.

As an Indigenous Social Worker, each step must be intentionally co-determined, with accuracy, authenticity, accountability alongside Indigenous communities.

Intentional meaning making and rigorous critical reflection are required to stave off replicating systemic harms at every level of this work.

"Education got us into this mess and education will get us out of it", the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair.

Education within Indigenous communities is complex in terms of history as well as present day realities. The concepts of Indigenous mental health and wellness add further depth and layers to the tangles that exist and the ones still forming. and comes with a loaded history and even more and experienced as individuals and by families is complex, just and Indigenous wellness and mental health are tangled. It is with much love and care that the untangling must happen. Indigenous knowledge systems 'know' this already and are crucial to creating and maintaining educational spaces and experiences where Indigenous identities are seen, heard, cared for, respected and loved. This is the 'what if' that I envision.

• Registered member in Good Standing with Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

FPWC and SMHO

Indigenous Student Mental Health Project (First Peoples Wellness Circle-FPWC and School Mental Health Ontario-SMHO), 2021

Identity Affirming - Social Emotional Learning (SMHO), 2022

Indigenous Network Circle (SMHO), Ongoing

Thunderbird Complex Trauma and Emotional Regulation App Working Group (Thunderbird Partnership Foundation), Ongoing

Laurier University, Centre for Indigegogy

Indigenous Research Certificate Program Fall 2023-Spring 2024

-Indigenous Research Paradigms

-Indigenous Ethics and Community Based Research Partnerships: Creating a Framework

-Indigenous Research Methodologies and Meaning Making: Restoring Indigenous Knowledge

The Road To Your Name, Kayennere'kó:wa "The Great Law of Peace" instructed by Tehahenteh and hosted by Aboriginal Legal Services, Six Nations of the Grand River. (Fall 2023)

Restorative Journey: Indigenous Educational Wellness, published by the Ontario College of Teachers (2021)

Published written submission "From the Land of the Peacemaker", pg 42.

Humble Early Kanyenke'ha (Mohawk) Language Learner (Ongoing)