Become a Connected North Content Provider
Connected North is regularly seeking new Content Providers to deliver sessions. Content Providers are professionals dedicated to their craft ranging from tour guides, authors, artists, cultural leaders, social entrepreneurs, scientists and other experts. All subject and knowledge/skill areas are welcome.
What is Connected North?
Connected North provides live, interactive virtual learning experiences and access to educational resources for students and teachers in remote communities, supporting them where they live. Through the program, Indigenous students from Kindergarten - Grade 12 are offered unique opportunities to thrive.
The Stats
Why Become a Content Provider
Becoming a Connected North Content Provider allows you to share your expertise with students and "visit" remote communities from the comfort of your home, or anywhere with a good internet connection. It is very flexible, meant to work around all of the other commitments in your life.
Content Providers are supported by the Connected North team at every step of their engagement with the program, from developing sessions to support in each live connection with students.
The program features two-way interactive technology which allows guest speakers and students to learn from each other. Content Providers cherish the meaningful connections they are able to make with students, and the cultural learning and sharing that takes place.
Connected North supports language and culture revitalization by celebrating student identities and fostering pride and confidence at school and in life.
“Through these video sessions, I feel like a sense of community and belonging has developed among participants and myself. By recognizing and celebrating Inuit sewing traditions, the program has empowered students and teachers to preserve and pass on their cultural heritage. This validation can boost their confidence and pride in their abilities. It has been an absolute pleasure to share and connect with students of the North. Seeing them show their completed work with such pride in their eyes has brought me great happiness.”
How It Works
Connected North is needs-based and request driven. Teachers have access to a catalogue that showcases all of the guest speakers available and a description of the workshops they offer. Throughout the school year, they will make requests, and Connected North will contact Content Providers to coordinate the session.
Content Providers can specify their availability (such as Mondays only, any day between 12:00pm and 3:00pm, etc.) and there is no minimum number of sessions to commit to.
Step 1: Session Inquiry
Once a teacher has found a session that is the right fit for their class, they will provide two dates when their class would be available, as well as any helpful notes that can lead to a successful experience. The Connected North school lead will review the information.
Step 2: Session Request
The request is submitted to the Content Provider to verify their availability. The Content Provider can accept either date proposed, or suggest new dates. They can also get in touch with the School Lead if they require additional details or support.
Step 3: Session Confirmation
All parties receive a calendar invite that confirm the session's date, time, and connection details. If supplies are required, they will be shipped to the school at this time. Providers now have access to more information about the school in the School Profile hosted in their Content Provider portal, as well as a Welcome Map.
Step 4: Session Delivery & Feedback
On the date and time of your session, connect to the virtual meeting space. A Connected North host will be there to greet you and introduce the activity, as well as support any technical needs. Teachers remain present to support active engagement. After the session, you will receive an email asking you to rate the session and provide comments in the Connected North platform.
The Key Details
No experience is required
Speaking templates are available and Connected North team members are available to help with session development and practice sessions.
Session Length
Sessions are between 30 and 60 minutes.
Flexible Commitment
Being a Content Provider is a flexible commitment - there is no minimum number of sessions they are required to complete (someone can choose to connect once, or be available on a semi-regular basis), and scheduling works around their availability and other commitments.
Support Provided
A Connected North host is present for every session and facilitates introductions. They are also there for technical support for both Content Providers and the classroom, and to support student engagement as required.
Payment
Honourariums are provided for each connection. We also provide an automatic invoicing service & direct deposit payments within 1-3 business days.
Technical Requirements
Delivering your session requires a computer with a webcam and high-speed Internet connection (1MBps or above) and free videoconferencing software* The contact you work with at Connected North will be able to help arrange a test prior to delivering your first session.
*Funding we receive periodically allows us to support Indigenous individuals with getting the appropriate equipment.
The Benefits
Engaging as a guest speaker with Connected North is easy, simple, and incredibly rewarding. With full support and a seamless virtual platform, you can effortlessly share your knowledge and experiences with Indigenous students in remote communities. The process is straightforward, and every session offers a meaningful opportunity to inspire youth, foster cross-cultural understanding, and make a lasting impact—all while developing your own skills and gaining valuable insights into diverse cultures.
Honourariums
We are pleased to offer an automatic invoicing program, which eliminates the administrative tasks of invoicing for Content Providers. Invoices are automatically generated as soon as a session is completed, and Content Providers receive a copy for their records. Direct deposit payments are then made within 1-3 business days.
Continued Support
The Connected North team supports Content Providers every step of the way, offering personalized guidance, briefings on schools and students, and technical help. The program also offers flexibility in developing and adapting content to suit the needs and interests of different audiences, fostering impactful cross-cultural connections. No experience is required!
Cross-cultural Sharing
Sharing with students through Connected North fosters meaningful cross-cultural exchanges, promoting understanding and respect for diverse cultures. By sharing your knowledge, you help bridge both cultural and community divides, empower students, and contribute to a more inclusive future.
Connection
As a Connected North Content Provider, you can virtually visit remote Indigenous communities that are often difficult to access in person, connecting with students and gaining insights into their lives and culture. This two-way exchange broadens your understanding of diverse communities while empowering students through shared knowledge and mutual respect.
Inspiring youth
As a Connected North guest speaker, you can inspire Indigenous youth by sharing your experiences and knowledge. By engaging with remote students, you spark curiosity, boost confidence, and highlight new possibilities they may not have considered before, while reinforcing pride in their culture and identity. Your insights can motivate the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
Personal Development
Connected North offers Content Providers a chance for personal and professional growth. Engaging with remote youth sharpens your communication, storytelling, and leadership skills while fostering empathy and cultural sensitivity. It’s a reciprocal process that helps you connect, inspire, and grow as a leader.
Featured Content Providers
Jamesie Fournier
Inuit
Jamesie Fournier is an Inukwriter from Nunatsiaq (Northwest Territories) who explores his culture through writing. His debut fiction, The Other Ones (2022), won silver in the Independent Publisher’s Awards and was a finalist for the 2023 NorthWords Book Award. His poetry collection, Elements (2023), was shortlisted for the 2024 Indigenous Voices Award. A frequent speaker at the Northwords Writers Festival, Jamesie has also participated in the 2023 Audible Indigenous Writer’s Circle and NBC Universal Indigenous Screenwriting Accelerator Program. He currently lives in Iqaluit, learning Inuktitut.
Anthony Wingham (Nuez Acres)
Métis
Anthony Wingham is a driven and passionate entrepreneur with a focus on promoting Indigenous culture, sustainability, and innovation. His journey began at a young age, managing paper routes and establishing a successful tile installation business. Anthony pursued academic opportunities in project management and business management at BCIT, UBC, and UVIC. He also completed executive education programs at the Jelly Academy, Tuck School of Business, and the Canadian Marketing Association program. Currently, Anthony is focused on marketing and expanding his venture, Nuez Acres, which is Canada's only Indigenous pecan oil waterless beauty line. He is also passionate about Metis history and shares his cultural heritage through his apparel company, Metisprint.ca, which offers customized and sustainable apparel options.
Have More Questions?
Have any questions? Would like to brainstorm session ideas with a member of the team? Book a meeting here.
Ready to Apply? Fill out the application!
Please note that the majority of our onboarding efforts take place during the summer time (June - August). Throughout the school year, onboarding is done based on the following current priority areas:
- Inuit Content & Role Models
- Indigenous Role Models (specifically for Science, Health, and Math topics)
- Health
- Careers & Post-Secondary
- Math
- High School Science
- Content delivered in French
