We partner with local leaders and Chief & Council to support the educational needs of each community. In most cases this involves funding the construction and installation of learning centres which can include a new library and resource spaces, complete with furniture, computers, and Indigenous books; empowering kids K-12 in their educational journeys.
Watch this short video below about how our first Library & Learning Centre in Treaty 3 came to life!
Grassy Narrows First Nation (Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabe) has a long history of strength and resilience in the face of immense challenges. For generations, the community has navigated the deep impacts of mercury contamination that continues to affect health, learning, and opportunities for youth. Despite these barriers, families, educators, and leaders remain committed to creating safe, culturally rooted spaces where children can thrive. Today, the school continues to face gaps in literacy resources, with no central library and limited access to quality, level-appropriate books.
SchoolBOX is honoured to partner with Grassy Narrows to create a dedicated Library & Cultural Learning Space—an inclusive hub that supports literacy, culture, and community connection, including:
This new space will provide students with high-quality, diverse books, support teachers with subject-specific materials, reduce reliance on screen-based reading, and offer a welcoming area for drumming, storytelling, language revitalization, and cultural programming.
By bringing together literacy and Anishinabe knowledge, this project will strengthen learning outcomes and cultural pride for children and youth.
Your support will help make this vision possible and will directly contribute to building and furnishing the space, supplying new books, and ensuring educators and students have the tools they need.
Kaa’Naa’Matay Wiigiiam, The Teaching Lodge in Washagamis Bay First Nation is rooted in land-based learning and Indigenous language education in Ojibwe, supporting learning that is grounded in culture, relationships, and connection to the land. Teaching and learning extend beyond the classroom through experiential, outdoor approaches that honour Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
The school currently operates within limited physical space, with small classrooms located across seven trailers at the land school site. While plans for a future school building are in place and growth is anticipated, flexible and accessible learning resources remain essential. At present, books and learning materials are stored on portable carts, reflecting the need for learning spaces that can move with students and educators.
Through this partnership with SchoolBOX, an outdoor library space, mini libraries, additional land-based learning resources, and a fire pit learning space were created. These shared spaces support storytelling, reflection, literacy, and learning on the land, strengthening connections between students, educators, culture, and community.
This project reflects a shared commitment to learning that is responsive, respectful, and grounded in place. We look forward to continued partnerships with the staff and students of this wonderful school.
We’re thrilled to announce our first fly-in project in partnership with Cat Lake First Nation at the Lawrence Wesley Education Centre!
Located in a beautiful fly-in community, this school serves Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 and currently supports 120 students. Since its opening in 2013, the school has remained unchanged in terms of resources.
Our partnership will bring much-needed updates, including:
This initiative is particularly significant for the community, which is accessible primarily by air. It not only supports education but also strengthens connections within this remote region.
Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this transformative journey together!
Shoal Lake #40 First Nation is an Ojibway First Nation located in the Eastman Region of Manitoba and the Kenora District of Ontario. The Treaty 3 First Nation has a population of 655 registered band members (305 on-reserve) and the Harvey Redsky Memorial School has approximately 60 students currently enrolled. Like many other First Nation communities, Shoal Lake #40 was impacted negatively by Indian Residential Schools and Indian Day Schools. This resulted in the loss of language, culture, family and community relationships, and identity. Today, the majority of students are being raised by survivors or their children. The impacts of residential schools continue today with inequitable access to learning resources and underfunding for First Nations schools.
SchoolBOX, the Harvey Redsky Memorial School, and the Shoal Lake #40 community worked together to create library collections for the school and the community that were filled with Indigenous content and local Indigenous art to support the efforts of language revitalization with Ojibway language resources.
The Harvey Redsky Memorial School library addresses gaps in education and promotes student success and literacy. SchoolBOX firmly believes that the updated library collection at the Harvey Redsky Memorial School will foster Indigenous-owned education and increase the well-being and quality of life for these First Nations students!
SchoolBOX partnered with the Migisi Sahgaigan school in Eagle Lake First Nation to install mini libraries in the classrooms as well as update a section of their beautiful main library. Principal and Education Director Drew Kivell shared, “We are very excited to have resources that students can access easily in their classrooms. The culturally relevant materials will support teachers in their daily instruction too. We have been in need of fresh reading materials and this program is helping to bridge this gap.”
Margie Graff, SchoolBOX board member, played a huge role in the success of this project. Having ordered and organized all the book orders for the school, she said, “As the books rolled into the Eagle Lake library, I couldn’t help but think of the educators and students who would be empowered and inspired by the words and illustrations of so many Indigenous authors and artists. What a privilege to be one of the ‘helping hands’ bringing this project to life.”
Since the install, Principal Kivell shares, “our older students were thrilled to have new books to read, and the collections have them totally engaged.”
At SchoolBOX, we are driven by the mission to make education possible for all, by supporting First Nations youth and children in their educational journeys. Margie Graff believes this passionately, and reflecting on the project she shares, “Being a part of the Migisi Sahgaigan School Library installation has been such a joy. Working with the book requests from staff and the identified areas of need, we were able to provide much needed Indigenous texts and educational resources. Now students will have books that reflect themselves, their community, their language and their dreams.”
Pelican Falls First Nation high school operates as a private high school for First Nations students from the 24 communities within the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. The students, grade 9 – 12, live on the school’s campus year round, staying in boarding homes with the rest of their classmates. The school works hard to make the students comfortable, but there are challenges that come with being a young adult, away from the comforts of home for an extended period of time. Nevertheless, this is the reality for the students at PFFNHS.
SchoolBOX wanted to partner with the education staff of PFFNHS through promoting literacy. Having reached out to Principal Darrin Head and Vice Principal Nathan Hunter, it was decided that instead of a full library instalment, SchoolBOX would support the school and its staff with mini-libraries in each classroom. The collaboration with PFFNHS required the teachers at the school to submit a list of books to SchoolBOX, called their “wishlist”, of books that they wanted in their classroom for their students. The SchoolBOX team then ordered the books and visited the school to install them in each classroom. The hope of this project was to simply support the teachers with books with the end goal of engaging the students in literacy.
Kristen King is a teacher at PFFNHS and participated in this project with SchoolBOX by filling out a wishlist of her own. King, who has been a teacher for many years, says of her experience with SchoolBOX, “This was one of the best experiences in my whole career and I’ve taught since ’91. It was like the ultimate Christmas gift for a teacher. Several books have been read and recommended by my students already!” SchoolBOX was thrilled to partner with Pelican Falls First Nation High School. Supporting teachers who invest in First Nation youth is at the very heart of what we do at SchoolBOX.
The Gaagagekiizhik and Bimose School partnered with SchoolBOX to bring a Learning Centre and Library for students K-12. This was the first library the school had access to for its students, up until this point, there were only a few books in each classroom, and a small selection provided by the Language and Culture Resources. Due to limited space in the school building, the school and SchoolBOX collaborated to bring a 60 foot complex where the new library would take home. Inside the library, we installed a children’s library section, a youth learning centre where they could complete homework and assignments using appropriate technology like laptops and printers, and office spaces for the Language and Culture Resources. This was a dream come true for the school and it’s students.
As one student entered the space for the first time, she uttered, “Is this for us?” to which we could proudly and excitedly reply, “YES!” Thank you to everyone who made this project possible. This was our largest project to date, and took many hours of hard work, but with the support of our team, volunteers, hired hands, and supporters, we did it!
Together we then helped to repurpose an unused bay of the fire hall into a children’s library. The space was renovated using local contractors and equipped with over a thousand beautiful books, the majority written by First Nations authors. The library is now registered with Ontario Library Service – North as the most recent First Nations library in Ontario and accesible to all kids K-12 and their families.
We are continuing to support with the purchase of a cataloging system and facilitating an additional donation of new Indigenous books donated to their collection through a First Nations publisher called Goodminds in 2021.
Bernice Major, councillor for Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation, reached out to SchoolBOX after hearing about the transformation in Wabauskang. She asked if SchoolBOX could help to create a youth library in their distance learning room above the fire hall.
SchoolBOX paid to refurbish the youth learning centre with new floors, mural, furniture, technology and Indigenous literature.
The space is a small distance learning school for youth working to complete their high school diplomas. They now have access to literature written in Treaty 3 to inspire them!
Your contribution can change lives. Together, let’s make education accessible for children in First Nations communities across Canada.
Melanie Francis
Community and Education Engagement Coordinator
Aanii Boozhoo! Niimi’iwe Shkode Kwe, Dancing Fire Woman is my spirit name. Migizi Dodem. (Eagle Clan). I am Ojibway and Algonquin from Timiskaming First Nation, residing on Mnidoo Mnising, Manitoulin Island. A proud Anishinaabe Kweand parent of 2 adult children, Nathaniel & Aysia.
I have always had a deep passion for working alongside and advocating for children and families, and have devoted over 35 years to working in the early year sector where I have made a significant impact in various roles from day camps, childcare programs, and supporting children with special needs, developing and implementing healthy living programs for children and families along the way.
I eventually transitioned into teaching adults with a focus on early childhood education, where I emphasize the importance of identity and overall well-being in children, including the family unit. My work reflects the deep connection I foster within communities, with spirituality, and with our Indigenous culture and traditions, always approaching each experience with humility and a genuine desire to grow and learn.
I am committed to giving back and reminding us of the vital role we play in shaping future generations. With kindness, compassion, and enthusiasm, driven by the belief that the work we all do to contribute to the lives of children and families truly matters, and that each positive interaction we have makes a difference!
Giselle McGregor
Teacher
Aanii Kina Wiiya!! Nimkii Waakeegan Kwe n’digo. Ma’iigan dodem. Waawaaskiningaa n’donjiba, Wiikwemikoong n’donjiba, maapii akiing n’donjiba. Bawating cognigo. Giselle McGregor zhaagnaash noozwin.
Hello Everyone! The spirits know me as Thunder Rainbow Woman. I am wolf clan. I am from Whitefish River First Nation. I am also originally from Wiikwemikoong. I am from this land. I grew up in Sault Ste. Marie. My English name is Giselle McGregor. I am proud Anishnaabe kwe. I have been a teacher for 10 years and have taught and been apart of teaching Indigenous ways of knowing and being. I have spent most of my teaching career in the early years sector. I have just recently moved on to work with the Aadiziwin Team in my home community as the Anishnaabemowin Coordinator. In this role we are revitalizing our Anishnaabemowin which includes but not limited to bringing different ways of learning the Ojibwe language through ceremony, drumming, being on the land and bringing these opportunities to the community for community. I am a wife, a daughter, a granddaughter, a friend, a sister, an auntie and I am also the wind, the rain, the earth and the fire. I am honoured also to be a board member of the Schoolbox organization. Miwe!
Jim David
Founder, Trumpet Capital Corp.
Jim has been a vital supporter of SchoolBOX since the beginning. Jim travelled to Nicaragua in early 2008 to help construct one of our first schools and has been actively involved ever since. Jim is a commercial mortgage advisor and founder of Trumpet Capital Corp in Calgary, Alberta. He is passionate about yoga, and helping children in Nicaragua.
Tom Affleck
SchoolBOX Founder
Tom Affleck has lived and worked in Guatemala, Peru and Nicaragua. It was an unexpected encounter in Nicaragua, however, that sparked the SchoolBOX dream. In 2006 he gave two girls notebooks and pencils. One of the girls’ father said to her “now that you have a notebook and pencil you can go to school this year”. Tom saw his work building SchoolBOX as an opportunity to live out his faith and to break the bonds of poverty for thousands of children.
Jennette Affleck
Retired Teacher, co-founder of SchoolBOX
Jennette has been involved with early childhood education for her entire professional career. Jennette has taught in Boston, Toronto, the Ottawa Valley, and Monteverde, Costa Rica. Jennette was SchoolBOX’s longest serving Board member, has participated in 7+ school builds in Nicaragua, and was an integral part of our organization since its infancy.
Dina Bell-Laroche
Executive Coach, Sport Law & Strategy Group
Dina has been involved with SchoolBOX since 2012. In 2013, she led a team of youth to Nicaragua to participate in a school build and returned to Canada committed to making a difference. Dina’s experience in facilitation and strategic communications has been an asset to SchoolBOX. Dina believes that education really opens up opportunities for students in Nicaragua and strives to use her skills to create change.
Shannon is passionate about unlocking human potential through meaningful education experiences and global community connections. Professionally, she is a marketing executive with 25 years of cross-industry experience in accelerating positive impact, innovation, and growth through the teams and organizations she serves. Shannon joined the board in 2023. She is honored to work with the SchoolBOX team to help make education possible and to further empower children, youth, families, and communities to live their best lives.
Stephanie Potter
Master Integral Coach, PhD
A longtime supporter of SchoolBOX activities, Stephanie, her husband, and youngest daughter joined a trip to Nicaragua in 2018 where they fell in love with the country and the communities they visited. After seeing the impact of SchoolBOX’s work first-hand, Stephanie was inspired to join the Board and did so in February 2020. Stephanie is humbled by the opportunity to lend her knowledge and skills to help make education – and therefore community and social change – possible through the work of SchoolBOX.
Jim Sale
Technology Executive
Jim is a technology executive who spent his career with various product development and consulting organizations. Working with global organizations in the Life Sciences industry, Jim provides leadership on strategic programs involving technology, data, and advanced analytics to optimize organizational effectiveness. He is a long-time supporter of SchoolBOX and had the opportunity to travel to Nicaragua in 2016 to help build the Gilberto Siles school. Jim joined the Board of Directors in 2021 with the goal of applying his energy, and experience to help deliver impactful programs that improve the lives and future opportunities for kids in underserved communities.
Natalie Gunn, Chair
Co-Owner, Oxford Learning Centre Kanata
Natalie was born with a passion for education, helping people and travel. Looking for a new volunteer project, she joined the Equator Coffee Roasters team and visited Nicaragua for a classroom build in November 2016 and proudly joined the Board of Directors in late 2017. Natalie is co-owner of the Oxford Learning Centre Kanata and committed to supporting children to reach their full potential.
Margie Graff
Retired Teacher
After 32 years of teaching with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, Margie retired and began volunteering with SchoolBOX’s Treaty 3 library partnerships. She was honoured to be entrusted with the ordering of Indigenous texts and resources for communities and schools, as well as travelling to two communities to lend a hand in setting up their library spaces. In 2022, Margie joined the board and continues to build on these wonderful experiences to ensure that all learners have the resources and opportunities to realize their dreams.
Jo Danaher
Financial Manager
finance@schoolbox.ca
Jo Danaher is our cheerful financial wizard. She keeps all of our SchoolBOX finances in order, and makes sure that we are meeting the highest standards for a charitable organization. Jo enjoys seeing the amazing power that the SchoolBOX community of volunteers and donors has to impact the education of so many children.
Rochelle Bragg
Social Media and Communications Manager
rochelle@schoolbox.ca
Rochelle is mixed Anishi but has much of her far jowin (Qj Cree) and Swiss-German, currently living in Treaty 19, ly living in Treaty 9, specifically the isolated community of Muskrat Dam First Nation. Rochelle is committed to speaking out on the Indigenous realities in Canada and doing her part to help this next generation of Indigenous youth pursue their educational and personal goals.
