Katie Rich

Nora Pasteen

Jesse Smith

As Principal of Mushuau Innu Natuashish School, allow me to welcome you to the family!

‘Family’ really is the correct word for staff in our school. We live in close proximity to each other. We work on common goals. We share in the challenges associated with remoteness, and cultural differences, and creating bright futures for our students.

It is my hope that teachers who join our family have open minds, big hearts, and a willingness to learn and adapt to a community different from their own. We know we are different than other schools you will have worked in. And we are proud of that. You’ll find more freedom here to teach in ways that have real impact. You are encouraged to think outside of the box, and leave the school building for lessons and make real relationships with the students and community members.

I also hope you enjoy the benefits to working in our community – affordable housing, great salary and bonuses, the great outdoors. Our focus as a school is on building community, language, culture and health. I think you’ll agree that these areas can have a huge affect on the community as a whole. The rewarding feeling when you make gains in these areas is well worth the sacrifice in amenities and services endured by a community as far north as ours.

Please, don’t hesitate to ask for help from your colleagues and administration as you get used to your new environment. Your family is there for you.

Doris Cowley

I am delighted to work with MTIE and continue my career as a passionate educator with a commitment to life-long learning. As Vice Principal at the Mushuau Innu Natuashish School, I support the Principal and Innu Vice Principal in leading and managing our school. Together, we foster relationships with the broader school community and help students develop the skills and strategies needed for personal and academic success.

In recent years I have taught English, French, Social Studies, and Health from Grades 5 to 9 at Lakecrest Independent School. I have also taught in the IB Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme English A & B at international schools in Beijing and Shanghai.

In addition to my teaching career, I have worked in government – most recently as Social Policy Advisor to the Premier of Newfoundland & Labrador, and for several years as a Legislative Assistant/Researcher in the Senate of Canada.

I hold bachelors’ degrees in Arts and in Secondary Education as well as a Master of Education in Educational Leadership Studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Master of Arts in Cultural Studies from Athabasca University.

Education is my passion and I look forward to continued work with Innu educators to create culturally relevant learning experiences. These experiences empower our Indigenous students to succeed in the modern world while continuing to support and hold their traditional values, culture and language.