Here I am with my partner Tricia and son Miro – outside of our house in Queen Charlotte, Haida Gwaii.
I got involved in my union for many of the same reasons of other teachers. First, I wanted to give back to my profession and to make a difference for teachers and students.
What me got in the door was seeing how the activism of my colleagues directly improved my working conditions. What keeps me engaged is you. I enjoy working with other teaching professionals to make our profession stronger, to stand up for children and communities, and to make union democracy work. (And, I like to have fun doing it!)
In my twelve years of teaching (as a T.T.O.C., primary teacher, and secondary teacher) I’ve been part of my union in several ways. I was president of my local for four years. Before this, I was the social justice contact, local representative, professional development chair, and Vice-President. And I most recently am serving as bargaining chair and political action contact.
Below are some of the accomplishments that we achieved while I served in these various leadership roles:
- Haida Language and Reconciliation Advocate
I helped secure a grant from the BCTF for a half-time release position in support of Haida language and culture. This position advocated on behalf of teachers on the importance of district support for elevating Haida language and culture in all schools and classrooms. The grant resulted in the district establishing a similar and ongoing position, following the lead of the local with critical support from the BCTF. - Justice of Place Conference
I helped host a regional social justice conference on the “Justice of Place” that brought teachers from across the region and province to learn from local teachers, Haida Elders and Indigenous knowledge keepers on reconciliation, self-determination, language, culture, outdoor education, and the intersection of social justice issues in our schools and classrooms. - Multiple District-Wide Professional Development Conferences and Continued Mentorship of New Pro-D Chairs
Professional autonomy is key to our respect and reputation as teachers. Encouraging colleagues in their continued growth as professionals, and advocating at the District and North Coast Zone levels for the respect of opportunities for teachers to shape their own growth has been a priority for me. - Melded the 2006-2011CA with the 2011-2013 CA and the 2013-2019 CA, and chaired the bargaining committee during the last successful round of bargaining.
Professional autonomy is key to our respect and reputation as teachers. Encouraging colleagues in their continued growth as professionals, and advocating at the District and North Coast Zone levels for the respect of opportunities for teachers to shape their own growth has been a priority for me.
As part of attaining a Masters in Education, I conducted research on how to engage members as a union of professionals. I learned a lot by listening to teachers about the importance of union leadership, professionalism, and building a community as a union. (If you’re curious about this research, here’s the link to my thesis.)
I am also very involved with my community. I coach girls’ soccer as well as various other sports and activities. I founded a bicycle repair co-op (Haida Gwaii Bike RePsych) that has been actively involved in schools and community events across the islands for almost a decade.
