Welcoming Mary Burgaretta and Marilyn Maychak to the Aboriginal Steering Committee at HELP

The Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) is delighted to announce the addition of Mary Burgaretta and Marilyn Maychak as new members of the Aboriginal Steering Committee (ASC). Their deep-rooted connections to Indigenous communities and extensive experience make them invaluable additions to the ASC, which is dedicated to advancing the well-being and developmental outcomes of First Nation, Inuit and Métis children and youth in British Columbia.

Mary Burgaretta

Mary, a proud member of the Rama First Nation, brings a wealth of experience in community-driven education. Over the past 30 years, Mary has had the privilege of working with Indigenous communities to support and advocate for the well-being of children and their families. During recent years, to complete the circle, she was honoured to teach Early Learning and Child Care courses to post-secondary students seeking to become Early Childhood Educators. Mary joins the Aboriginal Steering Committee with the hope of continuing to support children and their families through the great work of HELP staff and their research, guided by Indigenous peoples’ perspectives.

Marilyn Maychak

Marilyn, an Inuk Polish-Ukrainian woman with roots in the prairies, has dedicated her work, vision and purpose has woven together the threads of: being an advocate for Inuit, intercultural navigator, bridge builder, listener, community connector, leadership coach, facilitator, educator, educational consultant and advisor. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alberta, along with a Bachelor of Education from Concordia University of Edmonton, and a Master of Education in Leadership and School Improvement from the University of Alberta. Marilyn joins ASC with the hope of continuing to collectivize and mobilize knowledge and research in support of HELP’s vision of all children thriving in healthy societies.

Both Mary and Marilyn share a passion for advancing equity and cultural understanding, which will enhance the ASC’s ongoing efforts to address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous children and families. Their guidance will contribute significantly to HELP’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and other important frameworks guiding work with Indigenous communities.