Naomi completed her Bachelor of Arts in 2000 at the University of New Brunswick, followed by her Bachelor of Education in 2002 at the same institution. She graduated from 涩里番 in 2024 with her Master of Arts in Society and Education.

I am Mi鈥檊mag from Listuguj Mi鈥檊mag First Nation. My son, Jordan, is a teacher, and my daughter works for Legacy of Hope Foundation. I began my education journey at a young age; I moved from Listuguj, Quebec to Fredericton, New Brunswick when I was 14 years old. I began grade nine, joined sports team and made friends. I was living with my mother, who had decided to move us to Fredericton so she could go to Saint Thomas University. My mother had some medical problems that forced her to move back home to Listuguj, but I was able to stay and complete my high school. I was able to pay room and board and continue school. My grade 12 year, I gave birth to my son and had to go back to complete my grade 12, graduating in 1995. I applied to University of Fredericton for the fall and was accepted in the Bachelor of Arts and Education program. Upon graduating, I decided to move back to my community of Listuguj to raise my family. I have been working in Education for more than 20 years. Currently, I teach grade one. In 2024, I taught Visions and Realities of Indigenous Education, a course a 涩里番 Cohort in Gesapegiag First Nation, Quebec. It was my first time teaching adults, and I enjoyed it. I am looking forward to new opportunities and experiences in the future.

When I was in grade nine, my mother decided to go back to school in Fredericton, NB, at the University of St. Thomas. It was my first time living off reserve, starting a new school, and making new friends. It didn't take me long to join sports and school activities. I enjoyed the social aspect of school and sports. In my graduating year, I became a mother. I knew then I had to make a lifelong decision to better my son's and my lives. I applied to听University of New Brunswick Fredericton in the Bachelor of Arts and Education program. I choose to study Elementary Education, graduated in 2000 with my Arts and in 2001 with my Education degree. Upon graduation, I decided to move back to my community of听Listuguj to听raise my son and teach in my community.

Between work, studies, and my teaching commitments, I was able to easily balance my roles and responsibilities because of my continuing busy life raising two children. Both of my children succeeded in competitive sports, thriving in most areas of school sports as well as and . I was a busy sports mom for sure. Once my daughter moved out and ventured on her career path, where she works for Legacy of Hope Foundation, I had come to terms that I am used to staying busy and then had a lot of extra time on my hands. I found out about the OFNIE Master's of Arts program at 涩里番 through a colleague, and I was interested, to say the least. I decided, since I have the time, and I can do this program from my home community, I should give it my 100%. So I applied and was accepted. I dedicated my time to my master's and gained lifelong friends along my journey.

Currently, I teach grade one in my community. I have taught one course so far for 涩里番 Cohort BED students in Gesgapegiag. I taught Visions and Reality of Indigenous Education. This was my first time teaching adults, and I loved it.听I am looking forward to new opportunity and experience in the future.

I always liked working with children and have many siblings and nephews. I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I was in residential school and later was told to be a secretary, so I did secretary work, but I didn鈥檛 like it, so I went back to school in the 70鈥檚. I came to 涩里番 for full time studies and after one year into my studies, I was hired at home. So, I went back to work in the community. I worked with the Cree School Board for 42 years, I worked as a teacher, vice-principal, Education Consultant for Sabtuan Adult Ed, Education Consultant for Professional Development and Coordinator of Professional Development. In听May 2007, I completed my听Certificate in Inclusive Education through OFNIE.

Sometimes I wonder how I did it! I had kids, full time work and didn鈥檛 have electricity. We were a fly-in community until we had the access road. I don鈥檛 know how, but I just did it.

We need more Cree teachers, because we understand the dynamics and culture of Cree people.听Cree teachers are good, because they know their students personally, and it helps their education.