The Kitigan Zibi School is an independent school that is not under the authority of the Quebec Ministry of Education. The Kitigan Zibi leadership is very proud of the fact that the Kitigan Zibi High School has been issuing its own high school diploma since 1985. As a First Nations school on reserve, there have been many successes through the years along with some challenges. The Kitigan Zibi School’s successes and challenges will be highlighted during this conference. The ongoing work of serving Anishinabe Algonquin students and students from other First Nations within Kitigan Zibi will be discussed. As well, the issues faced by Kitigan Zibi’s students who attend Provincial Schools will also be explained. All schools can do more and do better for indigenous students! Let’s talk about First Nations Control of First Nations Education!

Anita Tenasco is Anishinabe Algonquin and was born and raised in the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community (an Algonquin community located 2 hours north of Ottawa, Ontario). Anita is a djo djo (mother), kokomis (grandmother) and the child of a Residential School survivor and Indian Day School survivor. Ms. Tenasco has dedicated her career to First Nations education and has served the Kitigan Zibi community for the past 26 years in a variety of capacities. Anita is currently the Director of Education for Kitigan Zibi and is a firm believer in First Nations Control of First Nations Education. Anita is a proud graduate of the Kitigan Zibi High School, Heritage College and the University of Ottawa