Shekinah Patterson

Tansi! Shekinah Patterson, wapiskisiw wapisiw iskwéw nitisinikāson, Ochekwi Sipi ochi nīna.

(Hello! My name is Shekinah Patterson “White Swan Woman” and I am from the Fisher River Cree Nation)

I am a proud Ojibwe-Cree iskwéw (woman) from the Treat 5 territory in Interlake Manitoba, who holds 2 Bachelor’s degrees (Arts & Education) and soon to be Post Baccalaureate degree. My nīcimos Joshua and I have niyānan awāsisak.

(My husband Joshua and I have 5 children)

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to visit Roots of Resilience Charter School as part of a field experience for my Post Baccalaureate in Educational Leadership.

The connections I made during my visit left a lasting impression on me, that before I left, I told them all that I would be back for good one day. After months of reflection, and after running out of “what ifs” and excuses as to why we shouldn’t fulfill a life dream of ours (which is to live near the mountains), my family and I have made the decision to take a leap of faith, pack up our lives, and move across two provinces.

I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to teaching, learning, and continuing to grow alongside such an inspiring school and community. Roots of Resilience represents so much of what I believe education should be, and I am honoured to be joining a place that is creating meaningful change for students, families, and future generations.

Sometimes the biggest leaps of faith lead us exactly where we’re meant to be.

kinanâskomitin

(thank you/I am grateful to you)