Alumni Spotlight: Willard Small
Aug 18, 2025 | Vanessa Tignanelli, Storyteller & Content Creator
For Willard Small (58), a Cree from the shores of James Bay, education was never just about credentials—it was about truth. Born and raised in Moose Factory, and a survivor of residential school, he didn’t finish high school through the traditional path. But his journey back to education became something far greater. Willard has spent his career not only helping others access learning, but also ensuring that the education system reflects the full truth of Indigenous histories and experiences.
Like many others from the James Bay region, Willard began upgrading his high school courses in order to pursue post-secondary education in the South. While working full-time at Northern College’s Moosonee campus, he enrolled in Canadore’s Small Business Management program through Contact North. After two years of balancing work and study, he took a leave in 2002 to complete the program in person in North Bay. Graduating in 2003 gave him not only a certificate but the confidence to become an advocate for education himself. He returned to Northern College with renewed purpose, supporting Indigenous learners in both Timmins and Moosonee. Over the past 30 years, his role has evolved from Student Support Officer to Campus Manager, where he now helps students choose schools, access resources, and adjust to life outside their home communities.
Willard’s business training supports the behind-the-scenes work—budgeting, proposal writing, partnership development—but it’s his lived experience that guides his advocacy. He believes every college must reflect the diversity of the Indigenous students it serves, and that true inclusion requires learning about where students come from. His efforts go beyond educating youth; he is also committed to helping colleagues understand the realities of Indigenous life, past and present. For Willard, supporting students means advocating for understanding—within institutions, across cultures, and in every classroom.
“We need services and activities that remind every Indigenous student of home. We are all an Indigenous people, but we are culturally diverse as well.”
“If you want people to study in your post-secondary institution, to learn and be comfortable, you have to learn about where they come from too.”
“I think it's important to have someone within the institution who can share Indigenous lived experience and history. People come and go all the time, but the stories will stay with them.”
“I tell students, treat school like a job. Show up every day, be on time, ask for help whenever required, and take it seriously.”
Willard Small
Campus Manager, Northern College, Moosonee Campus
Small Business Management Program (Class of 2003)
#Alumni #Canadore College #First Peoples' Centre #Indigenous