Workshop Details:
Description:
This roundtable workshop brought together Indigenous education professionals to reflect on our shared realities around resource limitations that affect the recognition of acquired competencies (RAC) in our centres.
Session Outcomes
By creating a space for open discussion, we were able to exchange experiences, highlight common needs, and identify strategies to better support our learners. Together, we explored opportunities for collaboration and envisioned a connected Indigenous network that promotes shared solutions, mutual support, and stronger capacity to carry out RAC processes in our communities.
We had a very productive and insightful conversation. It seemed there was a high interest in developing internal RAC resources that can serve our communities and improve our ability to offer RAC services in a respectful timeframe.
We have gathered a list of participants who want to be a part of the building of this network.
Stay tuned for more info!
Presenters:
Melissa Drapeau
First Nations Adult Education School Council
Melissa Drapeau is a Mi’gmaq woman from the 7th district of Mi’gma’gi, Gespegewagi, and lives in Listuguj First Nation. A proud mother of three girls and two dogs, she finds joy in travelling, gardening, hobby farming, cooking, hunting, fishing, and spending time on the land. She currently serves as a Regional Pedagogical Consultant with the First Nations Adult Education School Council, supporting communities in developing programs that reflect local realities and honour Indigenous ways of learning. Passionate about reclaiming education, Melissa is dedicated to strengthening Indigenous-led systems that foster self-determination, cultural pride, and lifelong learning. She holds a Master of Education from St. Francis Xavier University.
Michael Reinbold
Cree School Board
Michael Reinbold is an educator with the Cree School Board. He spent six years teaching Grade 6 in the community of Eastmain before transitioning into his current role as Vocational and RAC Consultant, a position he has held for the past four years. Passionate about boating, fishing, and all things mechanical, Michael brings a hands-on perspective that helps him understand, design, and support meaningful course content for the board’s vocational programs.
Marc Vézina
Kativik Ilisarniliriniq
Marc Vezina is currently completing his 21st year in vocational education (VT). He spent 17 years as an educator in the Food Service and Tourism sector with the Lester B. Pearson School Board. He then worked as a RECIT consultant for 3 years, supporting the integration of digital technologies in VT across English school boards. Since August 2025, Marc has been serving as a VT Pedagogical Consultant for Kativik Ilisarniliriniq, advancing inclusive and innovative vocational education tailored to northern contexts.