Tansi. Hello. Ronita Giroux nitsîhkason. Wapsewsipi nitohcân. I am Ronita Giroux from Swan River First Nation. Apisis Ni-Nêhiyiwan, ninistohten Nêhiyiwêwin maka namoya kahkiyaw. I can speak a little Cree, though I understand more than I can speak. Nisto nitotanisin. I am a proud mother of three daughters, all of whom are now grown and graduated.

Throughout my learning journey, I have been taught to walk this world with humility and grace, to hold my culture and traditions high, and to love who I am and where I come from. I am deeply grateful and proud to be a Strong Cree Woman — Sohkâpiskisow Nêhiyaw-Iskwêw.

I am a Class of 2020 Bachelor of Education graduate from the University of Alberta through the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP). I began my career teaching with KTCEA at Clarence Jaycox School in Loon River First Nation before joining Elsie Fabian School in Fort McKay, where I am now in my fourth year teaching Grade 6. Alongside my classroom role, I have nearly finished my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, with a focus on culturally responsive teaching and leadership in First Nation schools.

My passion for education in Fort McKay is rooted in the relationships I build with students, families, and the community. I believe in guiding our young people with care, encouragement, and high expectations, showing them that their voices matter and their dreams are possible. Each day, I dedicate myself to helping students grow in confidence, pride, and resilience, knowing they are the future leaders, teachers, doctors, lawyers, athletes, and changemakers of our nation.

I became a teacher to be part of this journey — to support our children in discovering who they are, where they come from, and the power they hold as Indigenous people. My heart and my work remain with Fort McKay, where I am honored to walk alongside our youth as they rise into their full potential.

Kinanâskomitin — I am grateful and thankful!