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Brittney Ferland

May 2015

Brittney Ferland photo

  • Home Community:
    Misipawistik Cree Nation
    (Grand Rapids)
  • Cultural Identity:
    Cree
  • Current Position:
    Grade 2 Teacher
  • Education/Training:
    Dental Assisting Certificate from University College of the North, Kenanow Bachelor of Education Integrated Stream (Aboriginal Studies, Sociology) from University College of the North
  • Roles/Responsibilty:
    Teaching all subject areas, Volleyball and snowshoeing coach, and Teacher representative for WE Day activities.
“Always have a positive attitude!”

What obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
After graduating I enrolled in the dental assisting program at UCN but after working in Brandon I knew it wasn’t for me, so I enrolled in the Kenanow Bachelor of Education Program. One of my real struggles was that I had a child in the spring of my first year, I was still able to come back in September and I lost no time. I was also pregnant my last year of school and was due in September when I was starting my first job. I took only 2 weeks off of work and went back when my baby was just a week and a half old.

What or who inspired you to really go after the profession you
are in now?

I had a positive educational experience growing up, I had very good relationships with my teachers, I loved school and was very active throughout high school and University. It was my sister Holly Linski (Indigenous Educator of the Month June 2011) who truly inspired me, she’s always helping others and she is constantly telling me and everyone around her that they can achieve whatever they set their minds to as long as they believe they can. She is always helping me to further my education and makes me push myself to set and achieve my goals.

What critical choices or decisions did you make that helped you get where you are today?
I knew I would go back to school to take my B of Ed but when I heard that they were going to offer it in The Pas I decided to move back. I am glad that I did because it was closer to home and the class size was small, you got to know your classmates and professors and they knew
who you were.

Message of Encouragement:
Always have a positive attitude! The more positivity you put out into the universe the more that will come back to you.