Heather Ochalski: Leadership, Research, Education, and Recognitions

Academic Background

Master of Arts in Education, Concentration in Leadership, Evaluation, Curriculum and Policy Studies – University of Ottawa, 2021

Honours Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology and Minor in Sociology – University of Ottawa, 2012

Selected Awards and Honours

Commission on Graduate Studies Thesis Prize, Outstanding Master’s Thesis in Humanities – University of Ottawa, 2022

Arctic Inspiration Prize Laureate – National Strategy on Inuit Education: National Parent Engagement Initiative, 2013

Selected Research Publications and Reports

Heather's research and publications focus on Inuit education, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ), Indigenous knowledge systems, child welfare, and culturally responsive education. Through research, curriculum development, and collaborative scholarship, she works with communities, organizations, and institutions to co-develop culturally grounded, evidence-informed initiatives that strengthen learning and support positive outcomes. Although her work has been grounded in Inuit contexts, the approaches she brings—including strategic partnership development, community engagement, knowledge mobilization, and culturally responsive practice—are adaptable to a wide range of organizations, communities, and sectors across Canada.

Inuit Students' Journeys from High School into Post-Secondary Education (2021)

Master's Thesis | University of Ottawa

This qualitative study follows six Inuit students as they navigate the transition from high school to post-secondary education. The research demonstrates that practicing Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principles supports academic success, while the absence of these principles contributes to challenges such as racism, microaggressions, and systemic barriers within educational institutions.

Child Welfare: A System in Crisis. The Inuit experience with child welfare (pp. 40-47, 2015)

Co-author | Canada's Residential Schools: The Legacy. The Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Volume 5

This chapter examines traditional Inuit parenting practices, the impacts of colonization, and the ongoing challenges affecting Inuit child welfare. It contributes to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's examination of the lasting effects of residential schools on Inuit families and communities.

Making Room: Cultural Resistance through Pilimmaksarniq (2018)

Co-author | Education in the North, 25(3), 32–48 | University of Aberdeen

This peer-reviewed article explores how incorporating traditional Inuit skills and knowledge into education strengthens cultural identity, improves student success, and creates meaningful connections between Inuit and Western approaches to learning.

Speak Truth to Power Canada: Mary Simon – Cultural Identity and Education (2014)

Content contributor and STTP Canada Workgroup member | Grades 7–12 Lesson Plan | Canadian Teachers' Federation

Developed as part of the Speak Truth to Power Canada initiative, this classroom resource introduces students to the leadership of Mary Simon and encourages critical thinking about human rights, cultural identity, and the power of individual action to create social change.

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Heather Ochalski's leadership, research, education, and recognitions demonstrate a longstanding commitment to learning, collaboration, and creating positive impact across communities and organizations.

Heather Ochalski: Leadership Education Research and Recognitions

Selected Recognitions in Leadership, Education, Research and Reports.

This collection highlights media coverage, interviews, and notable projects from previous stages of Heather's career and leadership. While these accomplishments were achieved in collaboration with colleagues and organizations she has worked with, the recognitions reflect areas where she has made meaningful contributions and continues to build on that experience today.

School-Based Substance Use Prevention, Education, and Intervention: A Multi-Tiered and Developmental Approach for Kindergarten to Grade 12 Schools in Canada. The Standard. First Edition (2026).

As an Interdisciplinary Expert Panelist, Heather contributed to the development of this national standard by bringing her education, lived experience, Inuit perspective, and systems knowledge to help shape evidence-informed recommendations that support student well-being.

CCSA's Reconciliation Path with First Nations, Métis and Inuit Communities and Organizations (2024)
Heather led the development and implementation of the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction's reconciliation strategy, establishing Indigenous-led partnerships and embedding First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives across the organization's policies, programs, and national initiatives.

Childcare centre opens to serve the needs of city's growing Inuit community (2022)

By Andrew Duffy · Ottawa Citizen · Published: Sep 09, 2022 | Last updated Sep 11, 2022

Heather was a central leader and advocate ensuring Inuit children in Ottawa have access to culturally grounded, community‑driven child care. Her message underscores the importance of Inuit-led spaces for identity, belonging, and family well‑being.

Scholar-in-Residence, Inuit Futures in Arts Leadership (2021–2022)
A prestigious appointment supporting Inuit leadership in arts, culture, and knowledge transmission. Heather's residency focused on strengthening Inuit-led approaches to arts education and cultural continuity.

Shaping Research Through an Inuit Lens (2019)

University of Ottawa · March 12, 2019

A profile exploring Heather's educational journey and her work supporting Inuit self-determination in education and research.

Indigenous education conference sparks conversation about lack of N.W.T. curriculum (2018)

Mackenzie Scott · CBC News · Posted: Jun 01, 2018 2:03 PM EDT | Last Updated: June 1, 2018

Heather played a key role in bringing the conference to Inuvik and championed the inclusion of Inuit knowledge and perspectives in national education discussions.