A local First Nations educator is pleased to hear that added Indigenous learning is coming to area classrooms. Border Land School Division is developing an Indigenous Education Strategy based on recommendations outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation report.
    
Wayne McLeod, Principal at Ginew School in Roseau River First Nation, says that for young First Nations people to succeed every part of the community needs to be involved. This is something he says he's starting to see more of.

"It makes me happy when I see non-First Nations take onus and push it forward...or they are working together towards a common goal and (it) excites me that we can do this together."

Currently students from Roseau River attend Ginew School from kindergarten to grade eight and complete their education at high schools within the neighbouring Border Land School Division. McLeod says an Indigenous Education Strategy would help these students maintain a connection to their roots.

"Too many times I feel education has failed our kids because they're not supplied that information or knowledge of being First Nation."

He adds it's great to see BLSD take some responsibility in making this change.

McLeod goes on to say that finding the right people will be key to having this strategy be a success.

"Who is willing to do the job? Who is willing to go the extra mile for these kids to succeed?"

He adds that for young First Nations to be successful, Indigenous learning needs to also happen at home and beyond the school years. McLeod also feels that education will play a crucial role in helping young First Nations bring about change, saying the students could grow up to one day be politicians or advocates for the environment.