Abstract:
Increasing teacher retention in First Nations communities has been identified in the literature as
requiring attention. When attrition rates are high and teacher efficacy, quality of student
experience, and overall academic achievement is compromised, efforts to mobilize plans for
stability are needed. Through a narrative re-storying approach this paper unpacks the challenges
and opportunities related to teacher attrition in one remote First Nation community in Northern
Ontario. Although teacher attrition is inevitable, it is necessary to re-envision attrition factors as
a plan for retention. Community integrated induction and mentorship programming, and
continuous and multi-year contracts are two possible approaches to boost retention. Teacher
education is also explored as a long-term approach to address teacher attrition from a system
perspective. In all approaches, collaborative effort, engagement, and funding are needed from the
federal government, local education authorities, and faculties of education to increase teacher retention in remote First Nation communities.