The Cree School Board is governed by an elected Council of Commissioners that has the ultimate responsibility to provide preschool, elementary, and secondary education to the youth of Eeyou Istchee, community-based continuing education, and vocational training to adults, and supports Cree adults in their pursuit of post-secondary education.
The Council of Commissioners (CC) meets a least five times during each school year.
Locations for meetings are determined by the Council.
On June 21, we enthusiastically celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day. This day recognizes our ability to gather, learn and flourish through the guidance of our Elders, as we celebrate our language, culture, traditions, and communities. We celebrate this day fully mindful that we remain in strength despite colonial and assimilative actions and policies, despite the dark history of residential schools and the 60's scoop, despite being written out of history books, and despite the many ways that we have been dehumanized and disrespected over the course of centuries.
As Eeyouch, we have fought to remain sovereign and to maintain our Cree culture and language. We value the gifts of our ancestors and our relationship with the land. We hold the deepest gratitude for the work of former leaders whose commitment led us to self-determination in education, and our ability to use our education system as a means to maintain culture and language. At this time, and in the spirit of service to our children for generations to come, to the communities that we serve, to the Nation we are building, we commit the Cree School Board to centralizing Eeyou lihtuwin across our organizational structure.
Our Council of Commissioners prioritizes access to our Cree culture and language through our education system. Each commissioner brings passion, love and commitment for our culture and language. Our intent is to support our students in strengthening their Eeyou identity, so that they may obtain tools to confidently share our traditional values throughout their life journey.
We will move forward to: enhance the focus on learning Eeyou Ayimuwin to create strong Cree speakers; enhance the teaching and learning of Culture and tradition; ensure the place of cultural knowledge and Eeyou history across the curriculum and in all subject areas; focus on land-based education and authentic Eeyou learning experiences; and bring our Elders and our Youth together in the circle of learning.
On Indigenous People's Day, we re-commit to elevating Eeyou lihtuwin, to ensuring that our school system supports our children in the development of their identity and in finding strength in who they are as Eeyouch.
On behalf of the Council of Commissioners, Happy Indigenous Peoples' Day!
Dr. Sarah Pash,
Chairperson
Sarah Pash holds a PhD in Educational Success for First Nations Students, a Master’s degree in Education focused on Community & Parent Involvement, and two Bachelor degrees as well as certificates at the post-secondary level.
Since 2015, she has served as the executive director at Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute in Oujé-Bougoumou, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Museums Association.
She was elected to the Office of the Chairperson of the Cree School Board for two terms, one in July 2018 and the other in July 2021.
Top row: Gertie Jolly, Nemaska; Anthony Moses, Waskaganish; Jasmine Namagoose, Third Executive Member, Eastmain; Robin Pachanos, Chisasibi
Bottom row: Minnie Loon Petawabano, Mistissini; Daisy Shecapio, Vice-Chairperson, Oujé-Bougoumou; Dr. Sarah Pashagumskum, Chairperson; Rebecca Masty-Kawapit, Whapmagoostui
Missing: Sammy Blackned, Wemindji; Maïtée Saganash, Waswanipi; Adam Enosse, MoCreebec Observer; Andriana Trapper, Washaw-Sibi Observer
The Council comprises of nine community elected representatives and a regionally elected Chairperson. All terms for the elected officials are three years. Two non-voting members with observer status, are appointed by the Washaw Sibi and MoCreebec band councils, and also sit on the Council.
The Executive Committee meets regularly during the school year in order to facilitate day-to-day business. Its functions include approval of capital projects, personnel plans, and labour relations settlements.
The Governance Development Committee supports the Council in its governance process. As part of its responsibilities:
The Audit Committee assists the Council in carrying out its monitoring responsibility. Among its duties, it makes sure Council is kept well informed on all CSB financial and auditing matters, in compliance with Governance Policies, as well as acting as liaison with the external auditor.
As a Commissioner, your voice will shape the future of our Cree Nation.