National Indigenous Educator Award: Krista Umble
We are proud to celebrate a national recognition! Krista Umble, our school division's Coordinator of Indigenous Programming, has been honoured with Indspire’s prestigious Guiding the Journey: Indigenous Educator Award. She is one of only five recipients selected for the 2024 award, selected from across Canada for exceptional contributions to Indigenous education.
Krista is an extraordinary leader who has brought a vision of connection, support, and empowerment to life within our division. Her work not only enriches the educational experience of our Indigenous students but also strengthens the entire school community by fostering understanding, pride, and respect. - Sandy McDonald, GPPSD Superintendent
Krista’s dedication to Indigenous education embodies the spirit of reconciliation and community-building. This national recognition reflects the passion and care she shares with our division every day. Her leadership is paving the way for meaningful change and inspiration in our division and beyond. - Joan Nellis, GPPSD Board Chair
Indspire, a leading national charity supporting the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, annually honours educators who champion Indigenous knowledge and foster meaningful connections within their communities. Krista was presented the award during the 2024 Indspire National Gathering in Winnipeg, Manitoba, held from November 20-24.
For Krista, the award is a personal and professional honour. She describes her favourite part of her role at GPPSD as positively influencing students' lives.
My role is to be a relationship builder and to connect authentically with students, families, educators, and community. I am honoured to be recgonized for walking beside students as they grow, learn, and achieve in their own educational journey. - Krista Umble, GPPSD Coordinator of Indigenous Programming
Building Connections Through the GPPSD Indigenous Education Framework
Krista’s innovative and compassionate work has profoundly impacted GPPSD students, families, and staff. At the core of Krista’s work are three guiding pillars of our Indigenous Education Framework:
- Connect: Creating opportunities for schools to engage with Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
- Support: Providing resources and encouragement to students and staff as they learn and grow.
- Empower: Ensuring Indigenous students and their families have a voice and a place within their school communities.
More Information
Indspire Awards: For more information about the Guiding the Journey Awards and the 2024 recipients, visit Indspire’s website.
Division Information
Grande Prairie Public School Division
Email: communications@gppsd.ab.ca
Phone: 780-532-4491
