Community spotlight: Indigenous educator Jasmyn Albert

National Indigenous People’s Day calls the country to celebrate the heritage, diversity, and resilience of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people. As a non-Indigenous person, I’ve been actively learning (and un-learning, and re-learning) about those facets, appreciating the traditions and community that Indigenous peoples have fought to retain. Today on the blog, I’m highlighting someone who’s made a lasting impact in this realm on me & everyone her generous spirit reaches, Jasmyn Albert.

I first met Jasmyn in person at an event where she was giving a blessing and laying down tobacco. She offered to share should anyone like to lay some down, and I went up. She put tobacco in my palm, we had a short conversation, and when I made the offering, I felt an undeniable connection to the earth and my ancestors. She facilitated that and I’m grateful. Since then, we’ve connected at other community events and I’m pleased to bring you an interview with this local educator, artist, and storyteller.

S&L: What led you to be an educator?

JA: I always wanted to be an educator, my kokum worked in the school system and I always admired how when ever we would go places her past students would come and greet her. I have moved more towards sharing culture because I was taught we are supposed to share our gifts. I am so blessed to know my culture and feel so much motivation when it comes to sharing the teachings.

S&L: Can you touch on some obstacles you’ve overcome on your journey?

JA: I’ve had to deal with imposter syndrome feeling like I’m too young to be sharing in the way I do. Teaching in the Catholic school division is another obstacle. Sharing in an institution that destroyed many of my ancestors has been difficult morally, but also trying to change a system that fundamentally is against the success of your people is mentally, emotionally and spiritually draining. I’ve moved through this obstacle with my ancestors in mind. The ones that paved the road so we can tread safer and with less difficulty. If it weren’t for the ones before me having those hard talks and advocating for Indigenous rights to indigenous education I would not be in the position I am in today.

S&L: Have you noticed a change in the climate of Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Saskatoon?

JA: I feel on the indigenous side, more people are realizing truth and reconciliation was never for indigenous people. It wasn’t put forth with the idea indigenous people would heal and we would feel good. It was put forth so non-indigenous people can feel like they are doing something to make things better. Personally I don’t agree with the idea of reconciliation. The idea that 2 parties hurt each other. Indigenous people didn’t do anything to harm non indigenous people. We were harmed for 500 years. But we still stand strong!

I think non- indigenous people are learning. I hope it is all worth it. I hope more people truly understand all the terrible things that have happened and continue to happen and we can work together to change those things still happening.

S&L: What’s your favourite workshop or speaking opportunity? I’ve seen you do many and you do them all so well!

JA: My favourite workshops are always the ones where I work with youth. Recently, I had the opportunity to make ribbon skirts with many young women in Saskatoon. Some of the moments that stand out to me is when they turn their skirt right side out and they see what they created. Seeing the spark in their eye, the emotion and how proud they are always tugs at my heart stings. I also love when they had so much self doubt and they persevere and complete a skirt. They are so resilient and amazing.

S&L: Teaching is clearly a large part of your life but I know you’ve continued to do a lot of learning as well. Where do you find those teachings?

JA: Everything I have learned and continue to learn is from the elders I’m so fortunate to cross paths with. My kokum is a big source of education for me. I still have a lifetime of knowledge to learn.

S&L: Do you have any advice for people of any ethnicity on how to strengthen our community?

JA: My advice to everyone would be to always be open to learning. There’s so much to learn and you’re never done learning. Celebrate and be proud of who you are! I encourage everyone to learn about the history of Canada and the beauty of indigenous culture. It is because of our culture and connection to Mother Earth that we have been able to endure what we have and still continue on.

Thanks so much to Jasmyn for sharing of her heart! You can keep up with her workshops and engagements via Instagram.

xo Maygen