Education is a way of life for Crystal Kingston. She not only believes in lifelong learning for herself, she has also made a career out of it.
For more than 18 years, Kingston has been working in education at the Indian Friendship Centre (IFC) in Sault Ste. Marie, and is now its education director.
Kingston is responsible for the administration and implementation of the Niin Sakaan Skills Development program, a First Nations stream literacy and basic skills program.
“I'm honoured to have been a part of the growth and success of the Urban Aboriginal High School and am quite proud of the work that all the staff, partners, and students have accomplished,” said Kingston.
“I get so much out of seeing our First Nation and Métis community members overcome challenges and grow. We believe in our students and encourage them, and watching our graduates each year, I cry like they're my own family.”
Kingston's role is varied, and aside from her administrative duties, she finds herself counselling, facilitating programs or workshops, and teaching life skills.
She also participates in a variety of community committees related to First Nations education and the friendship centre.
"Being flexible and innovative is important. I encourage these values in staff and teachers as well so that we can tailor programming to our students' needs.
“For example, we have student nutrition programs for breakfast and lunch. Also, we provide an academic program where parents can bring their children to school with them. We have even had moms return to school after giving birth only days before.”
Kingston, a member of the Lac Seul First Nation, was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie.
She attended Lake Superior State University, where she earned a B.Sc. in human services, an associate in child development, and an associate in substance abuse prevention and treatment.
She has continued to upgrade her training and holds a number of certifications in crisis intervention, and Indigenous facilitation, among others.
“It was my mother who instilled the importance of education and hard work for me. She is strong, resilient, raising four kids after my father passed away suddenly. I remember her returning to school after a long absence.
“She left at age 16 to have me and didn't return to school until my youngest sibling was in elementary school to graduate as an RPN. Then she went back to high school before continuing her nursing profession through to nurse practitioner. She is an inspiration and role model to me.”
Now Kingston has become a similar role model to the students, leading by example, showing how education and hard work can open important doors.
She also hopes to espouse the values of enjoying and learning from all moments in life, and keeping a sense of humour and an open mind.
"Education is so important," said Kingston. "Teachers in my life helped me succeed not only academically, but personally. One teacher spent extra time with me to help me catch up in math, and one professor helped me to realize that even in adversity and hard emotional times, I was strong, determined, and could handle what life brings me."
Kingston began her career working as a house parent at Pelican Falls First Nation High School, just outside of Sioux Lookout, supervising 18 teenage girls from remote First Nation communities.
In moving to Thunder Bay, she worked for Indigenous programs as a counsellor for high-risk youth.
After returning to the Sault, she began work at the Indian Friendship Centre as the literacy co-ordinator working with youth and adults upgrading their academic skills and learning life skills, before taking on her current role.
“My education continues even now, as I've been learning from many of our local cultural leaders and Elders. I'm proud to be able to pass on their teachings and knowledge to those around me including my children. I'm also learning daily from my two children. Life is about learning.”
