Alumni Q&A: Brad Baker

A proud member of the Squamish Nation, Brad Baker stands out in the field of educational leadership.

Brad has shaped Indigenous education for over 26 years in the North Vancouver School District and currently holds the position of Associate Superintendent of Indigenous Education with the Ministry of Education. He is also an adjunct teaching professor at UBC in the Faculty of Education.

CapU proudly honours Brad Baker with the Enduring Award at the upcoming 2024 Alumni Awards of Excellence.

We wanted to know more about what drives his passion for closing gaps in Indigenous education, addressing racism in the education system and fostering unity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Your journey from a student in the public education system to the Associate Superintendent of Indigenous Education with the Ministry of Education is remarkable. How have your personal experiences shaped your interest in education?

If it was not for the handful of teachers who believed in me at Sutherland Secondary School, I would not be where I am today.

I also believed that I had a responsibility to be a role model for Indigenous children and youth, as we can be successful in the Western education system. This notion made me continue to strive to become more educated in the Western system and, at the same time, continue to value my Squamish belief system.

Reflecting on your 26 years in the North Vancouver School District, what changes have you seen in Indigenous education?

The collective responsibility of supporting Indigenous learners has become more apparent; it is the professional and personal responsibility of all educators to be aware of Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous ways of knowing.

More and more educators are becoming aware of shared history here in Canada related to Indigenous peoples.

Your commitment to eliminating racism in the education system is evident. How do you navigate and address incidents of racism, drawing from your personal experiences and what strategies do you employ to ensure a respectful and supportive learning environment for all students?

This has been the most difficult aspect of my role – and also the most rewarding. I have learned through my own experiences that racism needs to be confronted head-on and not be allowed to fester.

Part of my teachings from my dad is to ensure that folks have a full understanding of who I am as a Squamish person and to support them in learning who we are.

I also ensure that the learning environment is a brave space where dialogue can be created to ensure that all stories are heard, and all learners need to understand, value and validate their classmates no matter where they are from.

Being a leader involves fostering unity and understanding, as seen in your involvement in the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Can you share a specific story or experience that illustrates the impact of bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and how it contributes to positive change?

This question fills my heart with emotions and joy.

It was shortly after the findings of the 215 unmarked graves at the Indian Residential School at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, I visited the school site with some close friends, all non-Indigenous, that came from various professions.

We walked the site and had the opportunity to share stories of how it felt for them to be on the site where so many Indigenous children and youth were terrorized and even killed.

After that visit, I knew my friends had an open heart and an open mind to learn more. I also knew they would bring it back to their companies and professions and share the true story of what the Indian Residential School system was all about.

Your motto, “Truth Before Reconciliation” and “Go Forward with Courage,” resonates with many people. How do these principles guide your decision-making, and what advice do you have for individuals striving to make a positive impact in their communities?

Part of our responsibilities as humans is to understand how this country we call Canada was created and how there were active policies of oppression to rid the land of First Nations people.

Part of knowing the truth of who we are as Canadians will help all of us come together to support each other in a good way that will lead to reconciliation.

For this to happen, it will take courage for all of us to reach out to each other and collaborate on initiatives that will ensure that the future will be prosperous for all Canadians, including Indigenous peoples.

It is important that we walk side by side with each other, as this allows equity to be achieved. What is good for one should be good for all.

Can you share a favourite hobby, pastime or personal anecdote that brings you joy and helps you recharge outside of your professional endeavours?

I am a strong believer in ensuring that I surround myself with people that can lift me up when I am down and keep me on an even platform when things are going well.

Being with friends who value me as a Squamish person and allow me to be who I am. I like to talk, and my friends like to talk! This is what recharges me and these talks usually happen on the daily walks that I do or on the golf course.

The one word I always use that is important to me is Chén̓chenstway, which means to support one another and lift each other up.