Joelle Delaronde

Boozhoo. My name is Joellee Delaronde. My First Nations community is Peguis. However, I have always resided within my original territory land known as St Peters, Manitoba, Treaty One.  I am married to Arthur Delaronde, in which we share in a combined family of five wonderful adult children and eleven grandchildren with number twelve arriving in September of this year.  I am a full time Cultural Teacher currently with Winnipeg School Division originally working as an Educational Assistant that led to me into the CATEP program becoming a teacher.  I initially worked in finance, but knew I always wanted to work with others in a much more meaningful way.  So, how more meaningful, other than education. 

This change came to be because of my own personal experiences within a western system that placed me as the other. I am the first of my family to attend university. Once I became a teacher, I decided to go back for my Post-baccalaureate in Indigenous Knowledge known as a general stream post-baccalaureate. I believe in lifelong learning and supporting others changes the world. I have already been blessed by seeing several of the students that I have connected with, taught, and learned with, take paths that are changing their lives for the better. So, how better to continue modeling growth, but to continue growing myself by going for my master’s degree within the MDP program. 

Although I not only believe in education alone, but also in ceremony. I did not initially grow up with any ceremonial teachings. However, my older sister grew up with indirect teachings that later became understood which she passed down to me and my children. It has been through her taking the lead to learn our traditional ways that I have too, have learned and will forever continue to do so. Therefore, it is with my personal, educational, and cultural teachings that allows me to continue learning in which the MDP program speaks to the heart of the work I do with Indigenous students, families, and community members. It aligns with my values and the path I’m walking; one that’s about healing, reclaiming, and rebuilding. I know that true growth takes time, maybe even generations, because the impact of colonization runs deep, but I see strength in our language and ceremonies. Every step we take in reconnecting with who we are brings us closer to the Creator and helps us build stronger, healthier communities for the ones who come after us.