Wednesday, April 1, 2026
As part of a tour of the West Nipissing area to celebrate the Month of La Francophonie, The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario paid a visit to Northern Secondary School and École secondaire publique Nipissing Ouest.
The Lieutenant Governor was led on tours of both schools, where she engaged with students and staff. While visiting Northern Secondary’s Indigenous student hub, Dumont discussed some of her cultural experiences during her tenure and encouraged students to follow their dreams in their post-secondary futures.
Northern Secondary School student Sunny said, “Having the Lieutenant Governor attend Northern Secondary School was a nice surprise. It was great to discuss with her how our Indigenous student hub supports students and was honestly a great experience. After I told her I wanted to be a teacher, she inspired me by telling me that both Ontario and all of Canada is need of teachers."
Dumont also spoke with Northern teacher Falcon McLeod, about the Indigenous language curriculum and accompanying textbook that he created for his students.
Dumont, a former educator, inspired students to pursue their passions. "It was nice because we got to share our experiences with her and she got to learn what we do and what the Indigenous student hub is for,” Northern student Hayden said. “She asked me what my plans were for post-secondary and she told us not to give up on our dreams. It was nice to hear those words of encouragement from someone that important."
The significance of the visit went beyond simply encouraging and inspiring students. Near North District School Board Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Kim Pauli said a visit from the Lieutenant Governor is a meaningful recognition of the work taking place across NNDSB schools.
“It demonstrates provincial interest in our district and affirms the strong, collaborative relationship we have built with our co-terminus French board as we work side by side in a shared space toward common goals, Pauli said. “The visit also instills a sense of pride in the unique, high-quality programming we provide for students across the district and highlights the inclusive and student-centred approach in our learning communities.”
Pauli also noted that having students interact with the Lieutenant Governor makes civic leadership accessible. “Her visible support for Indigenous languages, programming, and reconciliation sends a powerful message about respect, inclusion, and the importance of honouring Indigenous cultures and knowledge within our education system”, Pauli said.
Northern Secondary School Principal Sean Ruddy said, "Having the Lieutenant Governor visit Northern Secondary School was a great experience for our staff and students. Her Honour was very personable and was genuinely interested in the success and aspirations of all our students. It's not every day that we are able to host a dignitary of her stature, and we are grateful that she came to Northern Secondary School.”
