Welcoming 35,000 Students Back to School with Connected North

As the new school year begins, Connected North welcomes students back to their classrooms across Canada, ready to engage with transformative learning experiences that connect them to inspiring content, role models, and new opportunities. Serving 199 schools in remote, Indigenous communities, Connected North is about more than just delivering curriculum content — it’s about fostering cultural pride, promoting educational equity, and supporting communities in creating vibrant learning environments.

Celebrating a Decade of Impact

Founded in 2013 to provide one school in Nunavut with virtual educational resources, Connected North has grown to serve nearly 200 schools in eight provinces and territories, reaching over 35,000 students and 1,100 educators. Over the past decade, we have seen firsthand the power of technology to bridge geographic barriers and bring culturally relevant, inspiring learning experiences to students who might otherwise have limited access. This year, we are proud to celebrate our 10th anniversary and look forward to continuing to build on this incredible legacy.

Launch of Connected North in Our Classroom

This school year, we are thrilled to launch Connected North in Our Classroom, a new resource featuring the voices of educators across the program. This publication highlights the many ways teachers use Connected North to increase student engagement, attendance, and strengthen learning outcomes. From virtual field trips to interactive art sessions, the stories shared in this resource demonstrate the dedication and creativity of educators who are using technology to make a real difference in their students’ lives.

Key Achievements from the 2023–24 School Year

The 2023–24 school year was a period of growth and innovation for Connected North. We reached a record high of 1,100 unique educators engaged in our sessions, and nearly half of all content was delivered by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis role models. This commitment to representation is crucial as we work to ensure that students see themselves reflected in their learning. Our efforts to increase the number of Indigenous content providers resulted in 48% of sessions being led by Indigenous experts, a significant increase from the previous year.

Connected North’s impact is evident in every province and territory we serve. Here are some highlights:

Yukon

• Takhini Elementary School, Whitehorse: Teacher Amber Allison has facilitated over 100 sessions that range from learning about northern animal habitats to exploring art techniques with artists around the world. “When students can learn from masters of their craft, the value of the learning experience is increased tremendously,” says Amber. Connected North has become an integral part of her teaching practice, allowing her students to engage in rich, diverse learning experiences.

Northwest Territories

• East Three Elementary School, Inuvik: Local Inuvialuit artist Priscilla Boulay led students through a hands-on soapstone carving workshop, connecting them to their cultural heritage. “The importance of local connections is invaluable,” says teacher Amy Ing, who emphasizes the role of art in cultural identity.

Nunavut

• Iglulik High School, Igloolik: Connected North supported students in creating and publishing two magazines featuring interviews with local role models. The students participated in virtual training sessions with Indigenous journalist Willow Fiddler, learning valuable skills in journalism and photography.

Ontario

• Bimaychikamah School, Slate Falls First Nation: Teachers Merly Punsalan and Frances Youck use Connected North sessions weekly to provide their students with experiences they would otherwise not have access to, such as learning from an Indigenous artist using natural materials from their environment.

Saskatchewan

• Wollaston Lake: A series of sessions focused on traditional arts, where students learned beading and sewing techniques from Indigenous artisans. This experience allowed them to engage in cultural expression and develop fine motor skills through hands-on learning.

Manitoba

• Grand Rapids: Students explored the science behind sustainable energy by building solar cars and discussing the impacts of renewable energy in their own community. These sessions brought STEM education to life in a tangible and meaningful way.

British Columbia

• Bella Bella Community School, Bella Bella: Marine biologists engaged students in discussions about ocean conservation and the impacts of plastic pollution on marine life. This sparked a school-wide project to reduce plastic waste, demonstrating how Connected North can inspire community action.

Alberta

• Ermineskin Elementary School, Maskwacîs: The school participated in a series of numeracy and art workshops. Teacher Ailen White noted, “Connected North has been instrumental in supporting learning in my classroom by providing access to guest speakers and interactive workshops that enrich the curriculum.”

Looking Ahead

As we move forward into the 2024–25 school year, Connected North remains committed to supporting the educational aspirations of students in remote Indigenous communities. We are excited to continue expanding our reach, enhancing our programming, and ensuring that Indigenous voices remain at the heart of what we do.

We invite you to explore Connected North in Our Classroom and celebrate the incredible work of educators and students across Canada. Together, we are building a brighter, more connected future for all.