In an effort to expand our professional learning services and to provide on-the-ground engagement at the local and provincial levels, Northwestern Ontario now has an Elections Canada education coordinator. This initiative is part of a pilot program to test a regional approach in this area. The Northwestern Ontario education coordinator will work towards building trust, strengthening relationships, and validating new approaches for our programs with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. In-person or virtual professional learning activities will be offered at no cost to educators across the region.
Who can participate?
- First Nations schools
- All secondary schools
- Instructors, teacher-candidates, and student associations at faculties of education
- School departments and teachers’ associations
- Educators and consultants at school departments, districts or ministries of education
What types of free activities are offered?
Each professional learning activity is tailored to classroom needs and presented in a variety of environments and approaches, including:
- Professional learning events
- Staff or department meetings
- Co-teaching or classroom demonstrations
- Faculty of education workshops
- Student events
Our professional learning services feature Elections Canada’s learning resources. We also touch on the following topics: blended learning strategies, critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, global competencies, civic engagement, literacy skills and language learner needs, and misinformation and disinformation.
Book your next professional learning activity! Fill out the online form today.
Not a resident of Northwestern Ontario? We offer professional learning services in New Brunswick. You can also attend one of our workshops across Canada or watch our teacher support videos.
Meet our Northwestern Ontario Education Coordinator
Ashley Nurmela is the education coordinator for Elections Canada in Northwestern Ontario. She delivers learning services at zero cost to educators in the area.
Based in Nipigon, Ontario, Ashley Nurmela is a member of the Red Rock Indian Band. Actively engaged in her community, she has experience working with local First Nations communities, federal and provincial schools, organizations, students, and families.
Previously, Ashley worked for five years as the First Nations, Métis and Inuit community liaison for Lakehead District School Board. In this role, she supported educators with respect to the cultural protocols and understanding involved in engaging with, and serving the Indigenous communities, students and families in the area. She advised and liaised on First Nations, Métis and Inuit education policy and research and supported the acquisition of a curriculum that was enhanced with Indigenous content. She collaborated on creating and implementing professional learning in cultural competency for all staff at Lakehead Public School Board.
Ashley has been fortunate to receive teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers in many communities and understands the customs and beliefs of the communities in this region, while acknowledging they may differ between communities. As she takes back her own Indigeneity, she walks with Love, Respect, Bravery, Truth, Honesty, Humility, and Wisdom. Ashley is excited to visit your community and looks forward to meeting you.
Contact Ashley Nurmela for information on her professional learning and coaching services in Northwestern Ontario. Unable to access the form? Contact us.