Rebecca Jamieson facts for kids

Rebecca Jamieson is a Canadian educator and leader from the Tuscarora people. Since the late 1970s, she has worked hard to make education better for people on the Six Nations of the Grand River. This is the largest First Nations community in Canada.

Rebecca Jamieson helped start Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP). This is a special school for Indigenous students. She has been its president and CEO since 2009. For her important work, she has received many awards. These include two special doctorates and membership in the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada.

Early Life and Learning

Rebecca Jamieson was born in Michigan, USA. Her family belonged to the Eel Clan of the Tuscarora people. When she was two years old, her family moved to Six Nations of the Grand River in Ontario, Canada. This is a large community for Indigenous people.

When Rebecca was growing up, there were schools called residential schools. These schools tried to make Indigenous children forget their own culture. Rebecca noticed that her people's history was not taught in school. This made her feel that her home life was not as important. She believed that these schools caused problems for her community. Rebecca felt it was very important for Six Nations to "take back" their education. This was a key part of healing for her community.

Rebecca Jamieson studied at different universities. She earned a certificate to be a social counsellor. She also became a certified teacher. She received a degree in psychology and philosophy. In 1978, she earned her Master of Education degree.

Making a Difference in Education

Rebecca Jamieson started her career helping Indigenous students after high school. She then worked as a teacher and a leader in education. In 1993, she helped create the Grand River Polytechnic Institute. This school is now known as Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP). It has become a very important Indigenous school in Ontario. In 2009, she became the president and CEO of SNP.

Rebecca Jamieson built strong connections between SNP and many other schools. These partnerships allowed university courses to be taught right at Six Nations. Students could earn diplomas and degrees from partner universities. In 2017, SNP made history. It became the first Indigenous school to offer its own official degree. This degree was also the world's first for an Indigenous language.

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission shared its findings. This commission looked at the history of residential schools. Rebecca Jamieson and SNP had already been working for decades on similar goals. She believed in working together through understanding and respect.

Many people now seek Rebecca Jamieson's advice. She has served on important education boards. In 2017, Rebecca and SNP hosted a big conference. It was called the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Indigenous Education (WIPCE). About 3,000 people from all over the world attended.

Awards and Special Recognitions

• 2007 – Member of the Order of Ontario
• 2015 – Distinguished Fellow, Mohawk College
• 2015 – Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD), University of Western Ontario
• 2017 – Honorary Doctorate of Laws, Wilfrid Laurier University
• 2018 – Member of the Order of Canada (CM)