Meet the Team

Algonquin (Anishinaabe) from Ottawa, ON

Chantel leads the implementation of the Board Action Plan for Indigenous Education, facilitating support for school principals and vice-principals. She serves as a central department liaison and committee collaborator, while also working with Learning Support Services, including Indigenous Social Workers. Chantel oversees the Indigenous Lived Experience Program at Gloucester High School and collaborates with Superintendency and School Operations. She is the key contact for the OCSB and supports initiatives within the Indigenous, Equity, and Human Rights Roadmap. Additionally, works with the Safe Schools team and leads the instructional and graduation coaches for Indigenous education.

Email: chantel.verner@ocdsb.ca

Algonquin from Pikwakanagan FN

Jody supports central staff & school teams with their understanding of contemporary and customary Indigenous perspectives, history and context.

She also provides direction to OCDSB teams and schools in disrupting the current colonial system as they work to become culturally responsive and inclusive.

Email: jody.kohoko@ocdsb.ca

Anishinaabe from Serpent River First Nation & Curve Lake First Nation

Kris supports the work of the Student Support Coordinators, as well as liaises with Learning Support Services and community-based supports for student well-being. Kris also liaises with community partners, Elders and Knowledge Keepers to coordinate services and support for Indigenous students and families.

Contact: 613-608-9764, email: kris.meawasige@ocdsb.ca

Anishinaabe (Algonquin) from Mattawa, Ontario

Kareena collaborates with educators K-8 to infuse Indigenous worldviews, histories and pedagogy across the curriculum in a culturally responsive way. She co-creates authentic learning tasks, models lessons and shares First Nations, Inuit and Métis resources in English and French. 

Kareena also facilitates circles and discussions for students, educators and parents councils.

Email: kareena.butler@ocdsb.ca

wemištikôšîhkân; mushkego ililiw (Moose Cree), osoba, dione

Kyl is responsible for programs supporting Indigenous students at OCDSB and for offering professional development opportunities to staff. He is available to make presentations at staff meetings. Kyl also maintains positive relationships with community partners.

Contact: 613-291-5980, email: kyl.morrison@ocdsb.ca

Anishinaabe and mixed settler raised off reserve in Port Hope, Ontario.

Shelby is available to provide short-term counselling support, mental health consultation and advocacy for students. Shelby can help connect families and students to culturally specific services and help navigate services or access health-related funding sources available.

Email: shelby.thornton@ocdsb.ca

Boozhoo!  My name is Laura Verniest.  I am originally from Swan Lake, Manitoba.  I have been a guest on the unceded Algonquin territory for 24 years.  I am of First Nations and Belgian immigrant settler ancestry.  I identify as both Ojibway and settler.

I am a part of the Indigenous Education Team providing support to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students to achieve academic and life success.   I can provide counselling, referrals to community resources, advocacy with students, parents/ guardians/ caregivers on a range of social, emotional and mental health issues affecting school performance.  My aim is to provide culturally responsive and identity affirming care.

I support Ottawa west schools within the OCDSB.

Contact me by phone or text at 613-853-0975 or laura.verniest@ocdsb.ca

Miigwech, Merci, Thank you, Qujannamiik, Nia:wen,

She:kon/ Hello! My name is Allison Papineau. I am half Mohawk from Akwesasne near Cornwall, Ontario. My Mohawk name is Skawennetsi which means "her words are right to the point". I studied Psychology at Carleton University and have been supporting the Indigenous community for the last two years. 

I can meet with students and families at your school to discuss how I can assist you to succeed on your academic journey. I offer cultural support, advocacy, one-on-one support and sharing circles.

Email:  allison.papineau@ocdsb.ca

Kanienʼkehá꞉ka and mixed-settler raised off-reserve in Tiohtià:ke (Mtl)

Jade supports the academic journey of Indigenous Students from K-12 as well as their families from a holistic perspective. She offers one on one support, groups, advocacy, sharing circles and cultural connection.

Jade also works with community partners to ensure students and families are able to navigate any barriers and ensure all are connected to appropriate resources within appropriate and safe communities.

Phone: 613-915-3643, email: jade.desjardins@ocdsb.ca

Shawnee Annishnabe Kwe. A visitor on the unceded Algonquin Territory.

Jolene supports the academic endeavours of Indigenous students from Kindergarten to grade 12 as well as their families.  

She offers one to one support, advocacy and cultural connections.

Gwich'in Nation in the Northwest Territories

Ruby supports the academic journey of Indigenous Students from K-12 as well as their families from a holistic perspective. She offers one on one support, groups and sharing circles.

Ruby also works with community partners to ensure students and families are connected to appropriate resources.

Email: ruby.blake@ocdsb.ca

Wikwemkoong Unceded Territory. 

Nim supports the academic journey of Indigenous Students from K-12 as well as their families from a holistic perspective. He offers one on one support, groups and sharing circles. He also works with community partners to ensure students and families are connected to appropriate resources. 

Email:  nimkeehns.wemigwans@ocdsb.ca

Hello! My name is Rhema (ray-mah) meaning “Spoken Word of God”. I am an Inuk woman and was born and raised in Ottawa. My goal is to continue to grow in my cultural identity and inspire others who are on that same journey.

I can hold one-on-one meetings, small groups, and be an advocate. Topics may include but are not limited to academic support, cultural support, community resources and navigating the school system. 

Feel free to contact me at (613) 883 2851 or by email at rhema.tibbetts@ocdsb.ca

Inuk, Inukjuaq, Nunavik - born in Montreal, raised in Ottawa.

Jasmine supports First Nations, Inuit and Métis Students’ high school experience, engagement and success. Connecting community values, and realities to education and educators.

Email: jasmine.doig@ocdsb.ca

Anishinaabe, Deer Clan, from Shawanaga First Nation.

Justin works with First Nations, Inuit and Métis students at Gloucester High School to support academic, cultural, social and personal experiences. Justin also supports teachers and classes with resources, presentations and collaborative projects.

 Email:  justin.kewaquado@ocdsb.ca

Haudenosaunee- Mohawk from Akwesasne, QC. (Bear Clan)

Frankie (she/her) works with Indigenous students to ensure they have access to the social, emotional, and cultural support needed to succeed in their academic journey. She is a liaison, advocate, and above all a listener for students.

Frankie aims to provide a culturally safe space, foster a sense of community, and build capacity for the FNIM student body at Canterbury.

Email: frankie.lafrance@ocdsb.ca