DIRECTOR OF POLICY AND COMMUNICATIONS

It is so nice to meet you!

My name is Roxy and I am a second-generation immigrant to Canada from Ukrainian and German descent. I grew up on the unceded Traditional Territories of the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Mississauga and Chippewa First Nations in southern Ontario.

I completed my Bachelor of Journalism and Human Rights at Carleton University in Ottawa, and then moved to Yukon to work as a journalist for CHON FM and eventually the Yukon News.

My husband and children are citizens of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, and myself and my two children are adopted members of the Deisheetaan Clan of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation.

Prior to working with the First Nation School Board, I was the Director of Communications with the Yukon Government’s Department of Environment and also worked in both communications and as a Community Advisor with municipal and First Nation governments for the Department of Community Services.

I am honoured to work for FNSB to support Yukon First Nations’ genuine empowerment in the education system, and the real and meaningful success for all of our learners.

COMMUNICATIONS ADVISOR

Hi, I’m Laurie.

I’m a fourth-generation settler who grew up on the unceded traditional territories of the the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musquem), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations in Vancouver, British Columbia.

I’ve got Irish roots on both sides of my family, and my last name comes from what’s now southern Germany.

I did my undergrad in History at UBC and went on to earn a Journalism diploma over at BCIT. I started in journalism as a reporter/editor for two newspapers in southeastern BC and worked as a fledgling multimedia storyteller before pivoting to communications.

I’ve been living on the sovereign, unceded territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta'an Kwäch'än Council for nearly three years.

I wanted to work for the First Nation School Board (FNSB) because it’s leading public education away from the whitewashed, colonial miseducation I received growing up as a student in Canada. Deep down, while I can never understand how that worldview must’ve hurt the non-white and First Nations Learners I grew up with,  I know I would’ve fared better in life had the Vancouver School Board done in the late 1980’s what FNSB is doing now.

Public education is changing here in the Yukon, and the system wasn’t built to de-colonize itself. FNSB is leading the way, and I want to be a part of that because I want my country to heal from the genocide baked into the Indian Act that shaped Canada.

I understand that this work starts with honesty and authenticity, and it depends on the comprehension of deep time and place that holds more – so much more – than what can be squeezed into a colonial worldview. I believe FNSB is helping lead Yukoners toward a more honest and grounded future, and I want to contribute to that work.

COMMUNITY COMMITTEE ADVISOR

My name is Jessi Pascal, and I am originally from Aklavik, Northwest Territories. I am a proud Inuvialuit and Gwich’in woman with a deep connection to the land. Some of my greatest joys come from hunting, fishing, and travelling by boat to the Yukon coast during the summer months with my family. These experiences have shaped who I am and continue to guide the way I live my life.

I have many interests, including photography and videography, hiking, and playing volleyball and baseball. I value spending time on the land with family and friends, and I take pride in passing on what I have learned to my nieces and nephews—whether that’s teaching them how to hunt, operate a boat, or safely handle a .22. Sharing these skills and traditions is important to me, as it helps keep our way of life strong for future generations.

Much of my work has focused on community-based research and engagement. I have had the opportunity to work with several organizations, including Parks Canada on the Peel River Watershed project, the Wildlife Management Advisory Council (North Slope) as a Community Engagement Coordinator, the Gwich’in Renewable Resources Board as an Environmental Coordinator, the Inuvialuit Joint Secretariat as a Traditional Knowledge Technician, and locally in Aklavik with the Ehdiitat Renewable Resource Council. Through these roles, I have travelled to communities across the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and Gwich’in Settlement Area, facilitating meetings, delivering presentations, and participating in community events.

I have worked closely with researchers and biologists on wildlife and fish studies in and around the Mackenzie Delta. One of the most meaningful parts of my work has been helping bridge Indigenous Knowledge and Western science, including sharing research findings with my community through weekly radio programs. I have truly valued being able to support communication and understanding in ways that are accessible and grounded in community.

I look forward to continuing to connect with First Nation communities, Boards, and learners, while growing both personally and professionally as an Indigenous woman. I remain committed to strengthening relationships, supporting knowledge sharing, and contributing to the stewardship of our lands and waters for future generations.

COMMUNITY COMMITTEE ADVISOR
(On Maternity Leave)

Hello, Bonjour, Bongiorno!

My name is Véronique and I grew up on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin in Orléans, Ontario. I am a Franco-Ontarian of French settler background on my mother’s side and a second generation Sicilian immigrant on my dad’s side. I have been living in the Yukon since 2019, with my partner and our pets. This is where our children are born and this is where we feel at home. I am thankful to have the opportunity to lay some roots here with my family.

I believe in community, resiliency and growth. I am excited to play a part in the transformation of the education system on this land, as Yukon First Nation communities continue to play an increasingly meaningful role in the governance of their schools.

I have spent the past decade of my professional life working in non-governmental organizations, mostly in the youth and gender sectors. I have learnt so much from working with people and am a firm believer in grassroots governance and the value of lived-experience. I hope to continue walking this path with humility.

Thank you, merci, grazie mille for this opportunity.