Bridging Communities: Bougie Birch Partners with Connected North to Bring Indigenous Teachings to Remote ClassroomsExpanding our circle of learning through live, interactive virtual experiences that reach where students are.
We're thrilled to announce a partnership that perfectly aligns with our mission at Bougie Birch! We've joined forces with Connected North to bring our authentic Indigenous workshops directly into remote classrooms across Canada through their transformative virtual learning platform.
A Partnership Rooted in Purpose
Connected North serves 200 schools, focusing on supporting Indigenous students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 in remote communities—right where they live. When they approached us about incorporating our workshops into their programming, we knew this was more than just an opportunity to expand our reach. It was a chance to honor our commitment to authentic Indigenous education while supporting students who might not otherwise have access to these cultural teachings.
As someone who founded Bougie Birch to address missing Indigenous voices in mainstream narratives, I'm deeply moved by Connected North's approach of "Thinking Beyond The Classroom"—understanding that students' experiences can't be disconnected from their historical and social contexts. This philosophy mirrors everything we believe in.
The Power of Virtual Connection
The impact speaks for itself: 96.5% of teachers report that Connected North sessions help engage their students, contributing to both classroom attendance and motivation for learning. Even more compelling, research shows that 95% of children who take educational trips have higher graduation rates, with 59% achieving better grades regardless of background.
Through this partnership, we're not just delivering workshops—we're contributing to educational outcomes that can change lives.
Empowerment Through Indigenous Role Models
Connected North's focus on "Empowerment Through Role Models" resonates deeply with our work. As a Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) facilitator sharing Ojibwe teachings with proper respect and attribution, I understand the power of seeing Indigenous voices in educational spaces.
Our virtual workshops will connect students with authentic Indigenous perspectives, showing them that their cultures, traditions, and ways of knowing are valued and celebrated. For Indigenous students especially, seeing someone who shares their heritage leading educational programming can be profoundly empowering.
What Makes Our Virtual Workshops Special
Live, Interactive Experiences: Unlike pre-recorded content, our Connected North sessions are live and interactive. Students can ask questions, share their thoughts, and engage directly with Indigenous teachings in real-time.
Culturally Grounded Learning: Each session begins with proper land acknowledgments and honors the Ojibwe origins of dreamcatchers through Spider Woman teachings. Students learn not just how to craft, but why these traditions matter and how to engage with them respectfully.
Hands-On Engagement: Even virtually, students can follow along with DIY kits, creating meaningful pieces while learning about cultural protocols, the difference between appropriation and appreciation, and the healing power of traditional crafts.
Curriculum-Aligned Content: Working with Connected North's expertise in curriculum alignment, our sessions support Truth and Reconciliation education goals while meeting specific learning objectives.
Reaching Students Where They Are
This partnership is particularly meaningful because it serves remote communities—places where accessing authentic Indigenous cultural education might otherwise be challenging. Through Connected North's platform, a student in a northern Ontario community can learn dreamcatcher teachings with the same authenticity and respect as someone attending our in-person workshops in Ottawa.
We're joining an impressive roster of content partners that includes organizations like Let's Talk Science, Red Cross, and Frontier College, and have featured speakers like Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon. Being part of this educational ecosystem is both an honor and a responsibility we take seriously.
Supporting Teacher Capacity Building
Beyond direct student programming, this partnership supports Connected North's teacher capacity building initiatives. Educators gain access to authentic Indigenous content and cultural protocols they can reference long after our sessions end, building their confidence in incorporating Indigenous perspectives into their ongoing curriculum.
A Circle That Keeps Growing
To the educators and administrators reading this: we invite you to explore how Bougie Birch and Connected North can support your Indigenous education goals. Whether you're looking to enhance Truth and Reconciliation programming or offer students authentic cultural learning experiences, we're here to help.
To our community: thank you for supporting us as we expand our reach while staying true to our values. This partnership allows us to honor ancestral teachings while embracing technology that connects us across vast distances—something our ancestors would understand, as they too were master bridge-builders and community connectors.
Miigwech to Connected North for their commitment to supporting Indigenous students and remote communities, and to all the educators who understand that authentic Indigenous education isn't just about the past—it's about building a future where all students see themselves reflected and valued.
Together, we're not just bridging communities—we're creating pathways for the next generation to thrive, rooted in their identities and connected to the broader world.
Ready to bring authentic Indigenous workshops to your remote classroom? Contact Connected North to learn more about our virtual programming, or explore our educational resources at www.bougiebirch.ca.