Frances Ross-Furlong

Frances is a doctoral student at Simon Fraser University and a senior instructor in the Yukon Native Teacher Education Program at Yukon University in Whitehorse, Yukon. Her doctoral research continues a 15-year collaborative relationship with Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and the community of Old Crow, Yukon. Frances conducted research on science education and outreach in Old Crow during International Polar Year 2007-08, and soon moved to the fly-in community as the first high school teacher, co-establishing a secondary school program at Chief Zzeh Gittlit School. Together with Gwich’in leaders and cultural instructors, Frances learned how to re-align curriculum and student programs with Indigenous education and self-determination goals. Later teaching Grade 4-5-6 and helping expand land and experiential learning, Frances has been guided by Gwich’in leadership in the lifelong pursuit of decolonizing self and education. Frances previously taught and learned alongside cultural teachers at Qiqirtaq Ilihakvik School in Gjoa Haven, Nunavut and Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School in Baker Lake, Nunavut. Frances’ doctoral work focuses on educational change in Old Crow and Gwich’in perspectives on curriculum, assessment, and classroom management. In collaboration with Vuntut Gwich’in educational leaders, this team is considering how Gwich’in worldview changes how education is considered and how schools function. The goal of this collaborative work is to root education in Gwich’in values and the principles of co-teaching and co-learning, to outline curriculum and student learning with the seasonal calendar, and together working towards Gwich’in educational sovereignty.