The OFNIE Cuzns Program is an Indigenous mentorship and networking initiative with roots in First Nation and Inuit values and traditions.

It serves to:

• Celebrate听First Nation and Inuit culture and knowledge
• Continue听learning and professional development in collaboration with partners
• Provide peer support for remote OFNIE learners

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OFNIE Cuzns connects people virtually/remotely to allow flexibility for the Lil Cuzn (Mentee) and Big Cuzn (Mentor). There are different facets of the program to explore:

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Cuzn Chat

Cuzn Chats are designed to support and promote professional development and career growth in teaching. This series provides a space to explore career pathways, reflect on your experiences, and look ahead to how you want to develop your teaching career through a series of workshops, talks, and virtual activities.听The overall goal is to demonstrate how you can build networks, pursue ongoing training, and expand your professional toolbox.

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Connecting Cuzns

Connecting Cuzns is for current students and soon-to-be graduates who want to mentor and support others in the OFNIE programs. Mentors share skills, lessons learned, and guidance to help students succeed. It provides one-to-one mentoring for students and alumni. In Connecting Cuzns, we strive听to support alumni in developing their mentoring skills while offering current and new OFNIE students the chance to grow their networking, grow relationships, and the share best practices as educators.