VIRGINIA MOOSE

I am a member of the O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation in South Indian Lake, Manitoba, located in northern Manitoba and a signatory to Treaty 5. We are Rocky Cree and speak the th dialect. My identity, leadership, and professional practice are grounded in Cree knowledge systems, community relationships, and the land. I hold a Master’s degree in Special Education from Brandon University (2013), a degree in Inclusive Language and Literacy from the University of Manitoba (2020), and a Bachelor of Education from Brandon University through the PENT Indigenous Education Teacher Program (1997). In addition to formal education, I was educated on the land by my parents, grandparents, and extended family, learning Cree values, teachings, and ways of knowing. With over three decades of experience in Indigenous education, I have worked in both provincial and First Nations school systems in teaching, administrative, and leadership roles. I am guided by the Cree principle of lifelong learning and bring a deep understanding of the social, historical, political, economic, and cultural realities that shape education in First Nations communities. As a residential school survivor, I bring a trauma-informed, holistic approach to leadership that supports the mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of students, staff, families, and the broader community. I am committed to decolonizing education by ensuring Indigenous knowledge systems, Cree language, culture, and land-based learning are central to locally controlled school systems. My goal is to support First Nations children and youth to achieve academic success while remaining grounded in their identity, culture, and community.

Community-focused education leader with extensive experience supporting school administration, curriculum development, staff supervision, and student success within locally controlled First Nations education systems. Strong advocate for Cree-centered, culturally responsive education grounded in land, language, and relationships. Committed to collaborative leadership, strong governance, and improving student outcomes while honoring Cree values and traditions.

• Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS)
• Indigenous Education Networks
• Nelson House Education Authority

• Manitoba Teaching Diploma level 6
• School Leadership / Administration Training
• Teaching Linguistics Certification – Brandon University
• First Aid / CPR
• Child Abuse Registry & Criminal Record Checks

• Strong knowledge of Cree language, culture, and traditions
• Experience working with Elders and Knowledge Keepers
• Land-based education, healing practices, and ceremony
• Sweat lodge teachings, drum singing, and virtues teachings
• Teaching as ceremony; work and life as interconnected
• Research ethics grounded in living and teaching cultural knowledge

• 1985–1992 – Day Care Coordinator
• 1992 – Educational Assistant
• 1992–1997 – PENT Student Teacher, Frontier School Division
• 1997–2001 – Primary/Elementary Teacher, Oscar Blackburn School
• 2001–2016 – Cree Bilingual Teacher (Grades 1–5), Wapanohk Community School
• 2016–2017 – High School Teacher, RD Parker Collegiate
• 2017–2021 – Special Education Literacy Coach, Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Center
• 2021-2024 – Special Education Facilitator, Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Center