Core values

Recognizing the traumatic history of the Canadian education system and its role in the colonization of Indigenous peoples, it is crucial to define and keep at heart our core values. When we enter community, we are speaking in a context of a legacy of assimilation and oppression. Therefore, we must be mindful of our conduct and intentions and uphold the safety and needs of Indigenous communities and individuals.

Culture: We are first and foremost an Indigenous organization at the service of Indigenous Peoples. Understanding and attending to the history, current challenges, protocol, and cultural practices of each community we visit, each individual, and each SC member we interact with is vital to doing our work in a good way.

Community/Relationship: As institutional representatives, we are guests on the territories and in the communities of those we visit. As such, we believe that humility, attention to protocol, and kindness are at the core of building and maintaining good relationships within community, as well as the SC community.

Collaboration: Our goal is to provide opportunity, not to compete with one another. We believe that student interest is the priority, and we must work with one another to help the students find the right educational and vocational path through which to pursue their goals.

Compassion: Having conversations within the environment of a school, and conversations concerning future education and careers can create an emotional response in students and community members. It is important to recognize that each individual is on their own journey, and we must be compassionate and sensitive to the emotional wellness of the students, community members. It is important to recognize that each individual is on their own journey, and we must be compassionate, and sensitive to the emotional wellness of the students, community members, school staff, and other SC members with whom we work.

Empowerment: The overall intent of Strengthening Connections is to increase the number of Indigenous learners making successful transitions to post-secondary education. We strive to have fun, engaging, positive, and meaningful interactions with prospective students to empower Indigenous learners to attend post-secondary.