Julie Delorme (Ross)
- Home Community:
Descendant from Pine Creek/Camperville/St.Vital - Cultural Identity:
Ojibway/Métis/French - Current Position:
Indigenous Graduation Coach - Education/Training:
Bachelor of Education and Youth Care Practitioner - Roles/Responsibilities:
Supporting Indigenous students in recognizing their gifts and helping guide them to use those gifts in service for their community. I also support Indigenous students in preparation for graduation and being a community liaison.
“We grow stronger together, we build on each other’s strengths and are there to support one another in times of need. The story of the Three Sisters has been teaching me this.”
What obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
My high school years were a struggle. I failed a lot and grew up thinking that I wasn’t “good” at school. I was constantly just getting by and eventually, with some summer studying, I graduated. It was when I became a mother that I realized I needed to develop my skills. I needed to go back to school and share my gifts with others. With the support and funding from the Manitoba Metis Federation, I returned to Red River College, and with the support of my family and friends I graduated with honours. I then continued my studies and earned my Bachelor of Education degree. One of the biggest gifts I received from Red River College and the University of Winnipeg was learning about my own Indigenous ancestry. This was barely talked about in my family and as I learned more, I would ask more and more questions. I’m still learning about my culture and am now in touch with my spirit. I know I have gifts and know they are my responsibility to share. I know my students have gifts as well and I’m working each day to provide them with the opportunities to develop their gifts.
What or who inspired you to really go after the profession you are in now?
There are so many people that inspired me and guided me. Both my mother and father were educators and seeing them teach was my guide. Learning about my culture and knowing the history of education fills me with an immense sense of responsibility to learn everything I can about my culture and share everything I possibly can with my students. I know how it has grounded me and how connected my students are to their culture, when they are provided with opportunities. I also had a Grade 2 teacher admire how I decorated a bulletin board, that was also inspiring!!!
What critical choices or decisions did you make that helped you get where you are today?
Returning to school and believing in myself.
Message of Encouragement:
We grow stronger together, we build on each other’s strengths and are there to support one another in times of need. The story of the Three Sisters has been teaching me this.
