YELLOWKNIFE (November 24, 2014) – A Northwest Territories educator received national recognition last week with an Indspire Guiding the Journey: Indigenous Educator Award. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) Jackson Lafferty presented the Indigenous Education Partner Award in Toronto to ECE’s Director of School and Instructional Services John Stewart.
Mr. Stewart received the award for his work on The Residential School System in Canada: Understanding the Past – Seeking Reconciliation – Building Hope for Tomorrow. The curriculum resource was developed in partnership with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Legacy of Hope Foundation and Government of Nunavut for the grade 10 Northern Studies curriculum in the Northwest Territories and the Social Studies curriculum in Nunavut.
“This material is a tremendous resource for both schools and communities across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut,” said Minister Lafferty. “The approach is unique, in that the teachings come from residential school survivors’ voices and stories. It is very powerful and has stimulated important conversations in our schools and communities, and across Canada. This is information all Canadians should have and will help build on the tireless work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Legacy of Hope Foundation.”
The curriculum resource includes a teacher’s guide, a DVD with pictures, audio and video footage and an historical timeline of the residential school system in Canada. The package covers topics ranging from the history and legacy of residential schools, traditional education and learning, colonialism, assimilation, the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the Federal apology, the TRC and what reconciliation may look like.
Guiding the Journey: Indigenous Educator Awards recognize educators who work to transform and improve Indigenous education across Canada by advocating for updated resources and more cultural teachings in the curriculum; having innovative teaching practices; and helping Indigenous students reach their fullest potential. The Indigenous Education Partner Award is presented to a non-Indigenous educator who has made a significant contribution to furthering K-12 Indigenous student success.
For more information on The Residential School System in Canada: Understanding the Past – Seeking Reconciliation – Building Hope for Tomorrow, contact Mindy Willet, ECE’s Northern Studies curriculum coordinator at mindy_willet@gov.nt.ca.
Media inquiries:
Jacqueline McKinnon
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Tel: (867) 920-6222
Email: jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca