​​​Who Am I? Where am I from? 

My name is Janelle Prairie, I am Métis, a mother, wife, daughter, sister, auntie, friend, and educator.   My family is from the Métis community of St. Laurent, MB and I grew up in the East Kildonan area of Winnipeg. My parents still have a home in St. Laurent and we are still very connected to our Métis community there.  I am a proud graduate of the CATEP program where I began my career as an educational assistant and eventual teacher.  After graduation, I became a proud classroom teacher for several years before becoming a learning support teacher with both positions being in French Immersion, early years.  Currently, I am the Vice Principal at École Belmont.

Where am I going? What is my purpose? 

My mother is a retired educator and I honour and acknowledge her commitment and love of education everyday by following in her footsteps.   My family has been a constant support throughout my life, and I carry our values as a family with me in the work that I do as an educator.  I believe wholeheartedly that schools need to be a safe place of support for students, staff, and community with the hope that children can walk through the door everyday and have the opportunities to develop their identity, be proud of who they are. As an Indigenous woman and educator, my passion is to be an advocate for Indigenous ways of knowing and learning and that it is not only present in French Immersion curricula but that it is a priority and to ensure that all Indigenous students see themselves reflected and represented in their schools.

“Respect and Love are the language of leadership." – Alex Wilson​