Staff with Four Directions at Dryden High School are looking forward to starting the new school year in person again.
The pilot Navigator program started in 2018/2019 to provide a support network for Indigenous students as they transition from elementary to high school to graduation and entering post secondary education or the workforce.
Student Support Navigator Rachel Gessie was a guest at the Rotary Club of Dryden’s virtual meeting and says in person learning makes a huge difference in the program.
“The thing that is the most important in this program and in Four Directions in general is to be able to make relationships with our students and build those. Seeing them in person is just so exciting, this work is so much easier when you can see a face and sit with them have a glass of tea and share a meal. It’s much easier to build that trust and supportive relationship.”
A four day camp is also planned next week for incoming Grade 9’s to meet staff, students, find their classes and get ahead on volunteer hours.
Gessie explains some of the challenges the program aims to address range from mental health to medical advocacy to food insecurity to lack of care giver involvement and more.
“My personal goals are to increase contact with our First Nation communities this year and really make sure that they know what we’re here for and how we’re helping their kids. Also, one of my favourite things to do is to call parents and let them know good things about their kids. I’m also working on virtual programming for stress management techniques and therapeutic arts and crafts by partnering with elders in the area.”
Last school year the program had about 275 students and 40 graduates.
“Our goal is to end school with those skills to be able to make decisions and do the things that they need to do on their own,” said Gessie. “Of course not every student is there yet, there’s different skill and comfort levels but it is our goal. We call it a gentle release into the world.”
Gessie adds while they do connect students with outside Indigenous Advisory Programs , they too will stay in touch for support even after students leave DHS.
The program has since expanded to other Keewatin Patricia District School Board Schools in Kenora and Sioux Lookout and now to the Rainy River District School Board.
