Leanne Laracey
Leanne is a member of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation. She is a certified teacher & has been working as an ‘Indigenous Cultural Support Worker’ since 2020. She did not grow up with the culture and positions herself as a co-learner in this role. She is grateful for the Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, friends, community members, & colleagues who have helped her on this journey of reconnection!
A Snapshot of Indigenous Cultural Support in Anglophone East School District
AESD offers Indigenous Cultural Support, as part of a “Circle of Care’ model. Indigenous Cultural Support Workers (ICSWs) work to increase Indigenous students’ sense of belonging, and to bolster success through a holistic, medicine wheel focused (physical, mental/cognitive, social/emotional, and spiritual/ cultural) approach. The ICSW role is varied & includes working with students one-on-one or in small groups; offering culturally relevant learning & experiences; ensuring Indigenous representation; collaborating on classroom learning, or school and/or district wide initiatives; helping to implement aspects of the Wabanaki Wholistic Learning Framework; advocating for students; and helping lift our Indigenous students up in whatever ways we can!