Angela James appointed Supervisor of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education
Posted on September 12
Photo Courtesy of Delilah Mah Photography
Northland School Division is pleased to announce the appointment of Angela James as Supervisor of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education. A proud member of the Bigstone Cree Nation, Angela resides on Sakitawasihk in Reserve 166 near Sandy Lake, Alberta.
Angela, the second eldest of twelve, is the daughter of Arlene Beaver and Frederick Bigstone. Her maternal grandparents were Henry and Louise Beaver, and her paternal grandparents were Julian and Clara Bigstone, all who lived in Sandy Lake, Alberta.
Angela is honoured to be the mother of four children: two sons and two daughters. Angela has many nieces and nephews who she adores and loves.
Beginning her teaching career in 2008, Angela has brought her expertise to several school communities, including Edmonton Catholic School, Gift Lake Métis Settlement, Oski Pasikoniwew Kamik, Career Pathways School, and Pelican Mountain School. Over the years, Angela has served in various roles, from educational assistant and Cree language teacher to principal, gaining a wealth of experience in local Wabasca schools.
“Angela's role was established in response to community engagement conversations with students, parents, guardians, and community members,” said Cal Johnson, Superintendent of Schools/CEO. “We heard that more support is needed to weave local language and culture into the curriculum. Angela has the experience we are looking for and the ability to work with schools and communities around language and land-based learning.”
Angela's academic journey led her to earn a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alberta. She furthered her education with a Master’s degree in Indigenous Land-Based Education from the University of Saskatchewan.
Angela will work alongside Melanie Lapp, Indigenous Cultural Land-Based Learning Coach, and Debbie Mineault, Director of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education. She embraces learning from others, the land, and living a positive, holistic lifestyle.