Kelsey Lenaghan
- Home Community & Cultural Identity:
I am Anishinaabe with roots tied to Pinaymootang First Nation. I grew up off-reserve in a small rural community just outside of Winnipeg. - Current Position:
I am the Divisional Vice Principal of Indigenous Education with the Louis Riel School Division. - Education/Training:
I hold a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Indigenous Studies and a Bachelor of Education from Brandon University. Most recently, I completed a Master’s degree in Indigenous Land-based Education from the University of Saskatchewan. - Roles & Responsibilities:
In my role, I support the Indigenous Education Team and oversee the Indigenous Language Program. I facilitate professional learning, support schools in advancing Indigenous Education initiatives, and work with Knowledge Keepers and Elders who guide and strengthen our work across the division.
“Our words and actions can have a strong lasting impact on the students we work with.”
Obstacles & Challenges:
Growing up as one of the only First Nations students in a rural school meant that racism was a regular part of my daily experience. I had to learn early on how to navigate racist comments, jokes, and exclusion. Academically, I also struggled and required additional support, which further shaped how others perceived me and how I initially perceived myself.
What or who inspired you to really go after the profession you are in now?
My Grade 4 teacher, Mrs. Lillebo, changed the course of my life. Despite teasing from classmates for both my identity and my academic struggles, she encouraged my dream of becoming a teacher. Outside of school hours, she spent time tutoring me at her kitchen table and never let me doubt my potential. I still have a card she wrote to me when she retired, encouraging me to never give up on my goals. When she passed away from cancer a few years later, I promised myself that I would honour the time she invested in me by never giving up on the future she believed I could reach.
Another pivotal influence was my elementary school principal, Mr. Saj. When I was in Grade 6, I mustered up the courage to report the racist taunts from classmates. He responded immediately and decisively. His quick actions to address the racism, showed me what allyship and leadership look like, and what students deserve from the adults who serve them.
What critical choices or decisions did you make that helped you get where you are today?
There were many moments in my first year of university when I considered dropping out, but I didn’t have the heart to tell my parents. I decided to keep registering for classes until I was brave enough to inform them of my decision. As it turns out, I never mustered up the courage to tell them and found myself graduating with my first degree. I think deep down, I also wanted to prove to myself that I could accomplish what I had set out to do. After experiencing racism again in university, I chose to switch my major to Indigenous Studies so I could better understand our history and work to educate others.
Message of Encouragement:
Our words and actions can have a strong lasting impact on the students we work with. We don’t know what is inside the invisible backpack they carry or what challenges they went through to get to school that day. Greeting them with kindness and showing that you are genuinely happy to see them can encourage them to continue coming back.
