Gordon Martell (he/him)

About me

I was born/grew up in: I was born at Waterhen Lake First Nation and raised there until my family moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where I attended school.

I now live in: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

I completed my training/education at: Bachelor of Education, Indian Teacher Education Program, University of Saskatchewan; Master of Education, Indian and Northern Education Program, University of Saskatchewan; PhD,  Educational Administration, University of Saskatchewan.

What I do at work

I find ways to help schools work better for Indigenous children and youth. I work with people who want to be school leaders. Western education systems have sometimes made it difficult for Indigenous people to succeed in school. I help my students understand this.

I look at how organizations work. I look at what we teach in schools, and how we work with Indigenous communities. I look at ways we can strengthen Indigenous student identities. I read, write, research, and teach. Through my work, I advocate for Indigenous people in school systems. I get to talk to a lot of people and spend time in communities. This helps me learn what people want to change in schools.

My career path is

I have to be honest and say that when I was in school, I didn't enjoy it that much. I felt I didn't belong. I didn't have a lot of confidence as a learner. After high school, I went to trade school to become a welder. But what I really learned was that I was capable of learning. Especially when I was learning something interesting.

Then I went into the Indian Teacher Education Program at the University of Saskatchewan. There, I learned a lot about Indigenous people. I also learned that we need to stand up for our rights. One of the best ways to do that is to get a good education. Since then, I've been a teacher, vice-principal, and a curriculum developer. I’ve also been a district superintendent. Today I am an assistant professor at university. When you work hard, and stand up for your people, opportunities come your way.

I am motivated by

I love seeing more and more Indigenous people as leaders in organizations and faculty at universities. The more space we occupy, the more influence we will have. This will help schools and other organizations reflect who we are as Indigenous peoples.

In universities across Canada, there are more and more Indigenous people who are proud of who they are. They are sharing their ideas and strategies in ways that strengthen Indigenous languages and cultures. I have been in K-12 or post-secondary education for over 30 years. I have never seen as much commitment to value Indigenous people and knowledges as I do today.

Indigenous people need to be ready to take advantage of those opportunities. We can do that by finishing school and going into every career possible. We need teachers, leaders, professors, scientists, accountants, engineers, and architects. When a young Indigenous person enters a career path that has historically kept them out, they are the new warriors. They help create pathways for other young Indigenous people to follow.

How I affect peoples’ lives

When I was young, I learned about the history of Canada. I also learned about how Indigenous people were often mistreated. This caused some of our communities to have difficult times. My career is rewarding because I get to work with people who want to make a difference in the world. I help them to understand how to do that.

Also, I'm not afraid to stand up for our people when systems are doing things that aren't fair to us. When I was a teacher, I loved to see Indigenous students graduate. When I became an educational leader, I was able to help schools better support Indigenous students. Now, as an assistant professor, I get to share my ideas for making schools better for all children and youth.

Outside of work I

I do a lot of community service and volunteering for First Nations communities. I help them develop strategies to improve their schools. I also like to ride bikes and spend time on the land. I read, take pictures, and listen to good music.

My advice to others

Don't forget who you are. You can get any career in the world. If you enter your career as an Indigenous person, you will make a big difference for yourself and your community.

I am Indigenous

I was born at Waterhen Lake First Nation. I lived there until my family moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where I attended school.