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Northern Teacher Education Program Northern Professional Access College Page 1
President CEO’s Message By Dr. Herman Michell
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uch has happened since 1976 when NORTEP-NORPAC first opened its doors. I remember coming to La Ronge with my sister, Hilma, who was a NORTEP student in the 1980s. She was part of a cohort group right after the organization started offering university classes in Northern Saskatchewan. Our family was proud of her. Who would have thought in those days someone from the bush could obtain university credentials? I used to see her traveling out from Kinoosao with the late Irene Olson, sometimes by air and sometimes by boat, to Southend and then by road up to Laronge. When I reflect back, it was the younger brothers, sisters, and cousins who often babysat for the students who were taking classes. I remember spending hours helping her with classroom materials, cutting, gluing, coloring, and once in awhile she would burst into loud singing. There was definitely a beautiful child somewhere within her being. She was a role model for me. I went on to complete a PhD in education and came back to run the organization. Today, there are countless success stories like this. We now have children
of alumni enrolled in our courses and following their footsteps. I am happy to be where I am today and I am committed to nudging them on.
together in shared spaces. We hope you enjoy the contents and invite you to contact us if you have any ideas about how we can best serve our students and their families.
Northern Saskatchewan is a beautiful place to live. There is no need to leave this part of the world to get a university education. Scenic backdrops of boreal forest, majestic rivers, freshwater lakes, sandy beaches, and land with character surround us. The cultures and languages of the Cree, Dene, and Métis people who live in this part of the world are strongly rooted in this incredible landscape.
I am happy to report several changes we have made in the past 2 years as a result of our new strategic plan. At the board level, we have renewed our governing bylaws and we have developed a new a set of governance policies. At the administrative level, we have reviewed and made changes to our operating policies that will allow for efficient decision-making. We will continue to make changes for many years to come in response to the changing needs of our northern communities.
At NORTEP-NORPAC, northern Elders, trappers, fishermen, and traditional land users play a vital role as resource people in our classrooms. Despite massive social changes, they carry place-based knowledge and wisdom from previous generations. They are gifted in diverse ways. We want our students to learn the very best that modern education has to offer. We also want them to learn about their cultures and most importantly to celebrate who they are and to share their community knowledge with others. This issue of our NORTEP-NORPAC Newsletter is an attempt to capture a snapshot of a moving, changing, and evolving organization. Every year is different. New students enhance and add to our academic community. We see the growth and fullness of our outgoing students. Faculty and instructors introduce new content to the rhythm of changing theoretical insights. Fresh ideas and knowledge synergies emerge when people come Page 2
At the program level a new cohort of students are enrolled in our community-based master’s program in education. There are three streams in this program that include math and sciences, Aboriginal languages, and inclusive education. Graduates will be “movers and shakers” in these areas in Northern Saskatchewan. We also hired a culture and language coordinator to work with the faculty and students. The Board has given direction to enhance our course offerings in northern Aboriginal languages. An Aboriginal language incentive policy was opened up to all faculty and staff so that everyone has an opportunity to be involved in the preservation, maintenance, and active usage of Aboriginal languages. Two recruitment officers were hired to promote our programs in northern schools and communities. One of these recruitment officers has a dual role
as a faculty member responsible for teaching Dene language. Our mission this coming year is to launch a building campaign. NORTEP-NORPAC has never had its own home. It is time to invest in our northern students. We will need support from communities, industry, and government to make this a reality. Several presentations have been made in different venues to garner northern wide support. A proposal for a science wing complete with laboratories has been submitted to the Saskatchewan Mining Association. We are hoping for a major investment so that youth can be trained in a state-of-theart facility in order to have equal opportunities in an increasingly global world. Many thanks to the Town of La Ronge for donating eight acres of land for the purposes of advancing post-secondary opportunities in Northern Saskatchewan. I am happy to report NORTEPNORPAC was able to secure two grants for the construction of two more residences that will house students and visiting instructors. The vacancy rate for housing in the town of La Ronge is zero. The Board felt it was important for northern students to have access to quality affordable housing so they don’t have to worry about their basic needs. The mortgage for the existing residences was paid off and we were able to leverage funding support to begin building on the land the Town of La Ronge has donated. I have had the privilege of working with an excellent team of dedicated
professionals in the past two years at NORTEP-NORPAC. Our faculty and staff are incredibly caring and compassionate people. They come from diverse backgrounds and are equipped with different types of expertise. We want students to succeed and we will do anything to help them complete their degrees. Visiting Sessional instructors from both universities also bring a rich knowledge base from different disciplines and so our students graduate with a well-rounded academic background. We are thankful to the cooperating teachers who mentor our students and who reinforce quality education. It is during internships that they learn practical teaching skills. More importantly, they come to understand the code of ethics that applies to all teachers in the field. Students can expect to be supported every step of the way while they are with us. However, university is not easy. You are required to take ownership of your own learning. We do not lower academic standards in our organization. Our students work just as hard as those who are studying in on-campus settings. Perhaps even more intensive. I often say to them “What you get out of university is what you are willing to put into it’ “ This year, several of our NORTEPNORPAC students have been recognized and invited to the Golden Key Honours Society for distinguished scholarly achievement and have also made it into the dean’s honour roll.. I cannot imagine the great things they will be doing once they graduate from university. They are Page 3
role models for northern youth. According to a recent study of our graduates, many of them are making valuable contributions in northern communities and schools. Not only are they teachers, they also occupy positions as principals, vice principals, superintendents, directors of education, board members, chiefs, community councilors, curriculum developers, language experts, and even mayors. Good luck to the graduating class this year. You have made it possible for young people to dream big. We hope that you will use your education to advance the growth of our northern communities. Ekosi.
Contents President CEO’s Message
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Board Chair’s Message Our NORTEP-NORPAC Logo Cameco Key Lake Facility Field Trip Spring 2012 Graduation A Visit From an Ojibway Storyteller and Writer New Course Offering—Strengthening Ties With the Community Champion of Children Award Winner NORTEP Intern Actively Participates in Roots of Empathy The Field Coordinator Report Dean’s Honour Roll , Scholarships and Honours Newcomers NORTEP-NORPAC pays tribute to Joe Tsannie Community-Based Master’s Program Offering Treaty Catalyst Teacher Training Smartboard Workshop Teaching Treaties in the Classroom
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Photo Credit Front Cover: Herman Michell
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Board Chair’s Message By Joe Daigneault
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t is gratifying to be given the opportunity to submit commentary for the Newsletter on behalf of the board of directors of NORTEP-NORPAC. Serving as Chair over the past 3 years has been an incredible journey and a valuable experience for me. I absolutely take pleasure in my duties and am extremely proud to represent such a prestigious institution. Being a past graduate of the program has certainly provided me an exceptional perspective with a good blend that is complementary to the many viewpoints that the board members bring to the table. The one thing that has always puzzled me is the lack of governance rudiments that addresses any question of accountability for a publicly funded institution. This is not to criticize or disrespect past members but simply to acknowledge that in the
building of the program, it is obvious their focus and energy was to ensure the program content and delivery to northern students was first and foremost. We thank the founding members for their foresight and fortitude to pioneer and break new ground. It has been a long process, but we are happy to say we now have the foundation to be able to move forward with confidence The past year has been a predominantly busy year for the board as we worked meticulously to ensure longevity of this unique program by laying a solid foundation. We felt it very important and necessary to have a clear long term strategy along with policy and procedures that will assist our administrators on the day-to-day operations. It also provides a good positive working environment for all involved. The program has been in existence for over 35 years and has graduated a significant number of northerners that are having a positive impact in the economy, as well as being role models for others to follow. The membership remains with the same five member organizations represented but the board has been downsized to nine members; this is now a manageable size to be more efficient. These changes will Page 4
add credibility to the institution whenever we need to pursue funding sources as we move forward into the future. We have some ambitious long term goals that we identified through a couple of days of workshops: Acquiring a new facility to house our classes and administration is one major goal; the second is classrooms that are truly built and designed for a positive learning environment, for improved outcomes. We are already realizing many improvements through addressing the much needed affordable housing for students registered in our program. Plans are in place for the construction of additional units to help with addressing the student housing need. We will be working to set a new direction with expanded programs to help address the deteriorating cultures and languages; by teaching teachers how to teach language and culture, we hope to retain northern Aboriginal languages and culture well into the future. On behalf of the membership and board of directors I wish to extend a big thank you to staff and students for a job well done, as well thank you to all the supporters of the institution. Best wishes in the New Year.
Our NORTEP-NORPAC Logo By Dr. Herman Michell The Symbol of the Loon
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he haunting call of the great northern loon is a sound that touches every aspect of your being. It ripples through your heart and mind, triggering memories, creating stillness and calm balanced with momentary flashes in rhythm with the sound of rain hitting water. The loon glides majestically on the surface of our northern lakes, rivers, and streams. Long periods of time are spent diving and fishing for food. Even in the midst of thunder and dark clouds they hold up their heads high as to embrace all ambivalence. Existential moments are met with ancient voices from slabs of grey rock and whispers of boreal forest trees that line sandy beaches. Rain intensifies. Mist rises across the lake, blurring color, hue, and tone of the shoreline. The silence is interrupted with a splash and sound of fish dancing in celebration with the fullness of summer. The loon is a symbol of our northern spirit. The striking green and blue colors that adorn the head are a symbol of the connection between land, water, and sky. The spatter of circles on its body represents
the diversity of our communities entrenched and deeply rooted to the land. The breath of creation rides within the song of the loon reverberating in different directions with echoes that travel far and near. The evening campfires emit a smell of wood smoke meeting air and fog. Mîgiwâps silhouetted against the setting sun like shawls of Kôkoms who nurture our communities and the stories would begin…
The loon has always been a part of the psyche of the Cree, Dene, and Métis people who live in this region. In one Cree story, Wîsahkîcâk fills his bag pack with moss. He tells the different birds he meets that the bag is full of his songs. A lodge is built and he invites the birds to a dance. He gives instructions that everyone shut their eyes while they dance. Special songs are sung to the “meaty ones” and one by one he breaks their necks. It is ‘Mwâkwa’, the loon, who sounds an alarm when it opens its eyes to the trickery. As it tries to escape, Wîsahkîcâk Page 5
kicks him in the legs. That’s why the loon has its legs positioned in the back of the body making it hard to walk on land. Today, the loon sends alarm bells of impending rain. The different songs indicate what the weather will be like the next day. The loon and its partner can be seen building a nest together. They take turns keeping the eggs warm and feeding their young. The loon teaches us about the importance of family. Students who come to NORTEPNORPAC are required to dive deeply for the knowledge they need in order to survive. We encourage them to share and nurture their peers. In a reciprocal way, new knowledge is learned. The loon requires a long stretch as it begins to get ready for flight, rising above water, walking first, then running, flexing wings, picking up momentum and flying upwards to unknown horizons. And so it is with many of our graduates who have gone on to make valuable contributions in the province of Saskatchewan.
Cameco Key Lake Facility Field Trip By Jason Ellis
NORTEP staff and students in the training room after our introduction and safety briefing
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n March 12th, 2012 a group of NORTEP-NORPAC students had the opportunity to go on a field trip to Cameco’s Key Lake facility. The trip was arranged as part of a Biology class studying the impacts of human activities on the environment and the people living in the north. Also accompanying the Biology class was a group of Math Statistics students. The trip provided the students with an opportunity to see
SAFETY FIRST! Putting on our PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
first-hand both the implications of mining on the economy and the environment. The students were able to learn about the processes of mining and milling uranium and the steps being taken to reduce the impact on the local environment. The knowledge gained will aid the students in selecting and researching topics for their science fair projects. Some of the significant issues facing the North were discussed including: water contamination, bioaccumulation of heavy
Biology 108 students and classroom displays Page 6
metals and toxins, and returning the land to a natural state post-resource utilization. NORTEP-NORPAC and the class of BIOL 312 would like to thank Cameco, and in particular, Colleen Durocher (Senior Community Relations) for organizing the tour and providing the funding to make the trip possible.
First year math and biology students
Spring 2012 Graduation
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he NORTEP-NORPAC graduation of 2012 took place on May 12 in La Ronge. The Masters of Ceremony were Darcey Hubka and Guy Penney. The graduands entered with the New Dawn Drummers and the Board of Governors and all staff and faculty followed the procession in support. Opening prayers were said in Cree by Elder Henry Roberts, Dene by Elder Rose Ann Adam and English by Elder Josie Searson. NORTEP-NORPAC congratulates the following graduates of 2012. Many of them have teaching jobs, some have gone on to the nursing program and others have decided to continue with their education. The following names are those who have been acknowledged:
Receiving the Bachelor of Education degree are: Janet Alcrow and Erin Daigneault from Beauval; Juanita Carriere from Cumberland House, and originally from the Yellow Quill First Nation; Gail Clarke from Kinoosao/Brochet; Jennifer Cook from Air Ronge; Angela Powder from La Ronge – Lac La Ronge Indian Band; Ursula Margie Cook from Southend; Dianne Hardlotte, Roxanne McKenzie, and Leona McLeod from Stanley Mission; Sarah McLaughlin and Stacey Ward from La Ronge; Robin Moore from La Loche/ Thompson; Joe Nelson from Weyakwin –Montreal Lake Cree Nation; Candace Roberts from Deschambault Lake; and Tammy Robinson from Cole Bay, Air Ronge. Tammy is teaching courses and is the Coordinator
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of Student Services with NORTEP-NORPAC. Receiving the Bachelor of Arts degree is Allan Adam from Fond du Lac, now living in La Ronge, and Jenna Johnson from La Ronge. Nortep-Norpac introduced the first year pre-nursing course requirements for the 2011-2012 school year. In recognition for completing the first year are the following students: Valdene Chaboyer and Ladawn Deschambeault from Cumberland House, Aaron McKenzie from Grandmother’s Bay, Kristy Mirasty and Tamara McLeod from Stanley Mission, Gaylynn Ray from Green Lake, and Danya Schooley from La Ronge.
A Visit from an Ojibway Storyteller and Writer By Dr. Herman Michell “The north is wonderfully cold and the full moon throws down a spotlight on the snow covered lake making shadows seem to move. A mysterious and powerful land.” ~ Richard Wagamese
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ncredible, riveting, powerful, practical, and sacred are words that come to my mind as I write about our special visitor, Ojibway storyteller and writer, Richard Wagamese. The quote above is a snapshot of how he writes. Just the night before the temperatures had dropped in La Ronge and at this time of the year, the North is full of life. I was honoured to see this post on his facebook page. I have always been intrigued by this man’s work and his way with words that seems to open doors into other realms of existence. I have heard him speak on MBC radio on One Native Life. A product of the 60’s scoop, with only Grade 9 education, Wagamese went on to publish 11 books, numerous articles, columns, radio talks, and now also hosts 1-week writing workshops based on the traditions and principles of his people in Northwestern Ontario. His opening testimonial was riveting. The students and faculty were captured by his spontaneous storytelling infused with intermittent bouts of laughter. He talked about not knowing that he had a gift for writing. He ran away from a foster home to a life on the
city streets. It was the Elders and Ojibway community that nurtured him back to health and allowed him to see his strengths. Wagamese taught us the power of our life experiences, the importance of reading widely, and the understanding that words are “full of energy”; they pull other words into being. All humans are storytellers. All have a unique way of expressing the world around them. His interaction with Elders led him to develop five practical principles he uses to teach others about writing freely and to depend on our inner wisdom unencumbered by external demands that often lead to writers block. As I looked around the classroom, I could see the “light bulbs” of students go on as he went through his presentation. One could hear the voice of his ancestors as he spoke through his whole body, the facial expressions he used, and his storytelling etiquette. I thought to myself… ‘I have hope’… our students will be inspired to write about who we are as northern people, living in this place, in this time, in this space, and within the stories that have no beginning and no ending. Page 8
On behalf of the board, faculty, and students, thank you Richard Wagamese for coming to share your knowledge at NORTEP-NORPAC and with the community of La Ronge.
New Course Offering—Strengthening Ties With the Community
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uring this year’s winter semester NORTEP-NORPAC was pleased to offer INTS 201.3, a new course based on community service learning, which is something that is not new to NORTEP-NORPAC. In fact, this course is a result of the community service component attached to Education and Health courses already being offered. Instructor Deborah GibsonDingwall had long wished that students could earn university credit for community service learning and this is now a reality at NORTEP-NORPAC. She points out that the course is designed to meet specific needs within the community. There is a classroom component in addition to 50 hours of community service that students must complete. There were several community service organizations in the La Ronge area that opened their doors to our students. In fact, there are some students from this first group who are continuing to volunteer their time with the organization to which they were initially assigned. Deborah proudly points out that organizations from last year are already requesting students for the next course offering. She attributes this to the great community contacts that were made during the winter of 2012 and the commitment our students made to their placements. When asked what impact this course has had
By Guy Penney on students, Deborah replied that “it has opened their eyes to community opportunities that should be available to everybody. The students have also been inspired to make positive improvements in their home communities and to be part of it as collaborators.” Deborah also emphasized how this community collaboration was essential in determining how a “student project” was chosen. In speaking with some of the students who were part of this first course offering, it was easy to discover the impact the course had on them. Students Deidre Linklater and Tracey Linklater both shared some of their experiences during their placements at the La Ronge Health Center with Elders Home Care. They really welcomed the opportunity to work with Elders from the community and felt really appreciated. They particularly enjoyed being able to speak with the Elders in their own Cree language. Former student and current NORTEPNORPAC faculty member, Allan Adam asserted that it was “a good opportunity for students, after being in university for a period of time, to become accustomed to the workplace by volunteering time and expertise.” Allan has continued his community service by volunteering on the board of the Page 9
organization where he was placed. Allan was also instrumental in the creation of a video which documented the student experiences around their placements. This video has a link on the NORTEP-NORPAC website at http://nortep-norpac.webs. com/ The organizations that welcomed our students were Scattered Site, Northern Animal Rescue, the Piwapan Women’s Shelter, Churchill Community High School Learning Centre, Hall Lake Community Service, and Long Term and Home Care at the La Ronge Health Centre. For the next offering of this course in the winter of 2013, Deborah Gibson-Dingwall is anticipating more students and is also welcoming a teaching partner in fellow faculty member, Tammy Robinson. Tammy is also no stranger to community service learning and will bring her strong work ethic and dedication to this new and very exciting course offering at NORTEP-NORPAC.
Champion of Children Award Winner
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pril ChiefCalf received the 2012 Champions of Children award from the Saskatoon Preschool Foundation. NORTEP-NORPAC is very proud of April for being an
inspiration and model for our students, faculty, and staff. April champions the celebration of women and feminism through teaching Women’s Studies classes and she helps organize many community events that support women’s issues and initiatives. While guiding her students to look critically at past and contemporary media, April assists them in exposing and challenging a myriad of stereotypical images
in society. By helping future teachers unpack the hidden curriculum knapsack so that issues of racism and global perspectives in education can be critiqued in her classroom, April supports the building of ethical community practices. She quietly models many caring practices that invite her students who may be experiencing difficulty in their studies or their daily lives to seek her out. Through empathy and compassion April assists them in a way that empowers them to reach for success.
NORTEP Intern Actively Participates in Roots of Empathy By Laura Burnouf
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ORTEP intern Marlee Durocher is an active participant in Roots of Empathy. Marlee and Steve Proulxvolunteered their baby: Dany Jonathon Jacques Proulx to be a part of this evidence-based classroom program known as the Roots of Empathy. Shown in the photo is Marlee carrying her baby among the grade 5 classroom with instructor Lana Wasylenchuk (far right) at the Gordon Denny School in Air Ronge. The Roots of Empathy was created in Toronto schools in 1996 by Mary Gordon. Since its inception it has reached
over 450,000 children from Kindergarten to grade 8 across Canada. The program has a neighbourhood parent and baby (2 to 4 months at the start) who visit the classroom nine times over the course of a school year. A trained instructor, coaches the students to observe the baby’s development and to label the baby’s feelings. In this experiential learning, the baby is the “teacher” and a catalyst that the instructor uses to help children identify and reflect on their own feelings and the feelings of others- empathy. The following five key findPage 10
ings show the effectiveness of this program: There is a decrease in aggression, there is an increase in social and emotional understanding, it creates more caring and supportive children, it increases the knowledge of parenting and needs of babies and last of all it has lasting results.
The Field Coordinator Report By Darcey Hubka A Busy Fall with Interns and Pre-Interns in Field Placements.
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nterns are doing their internship in La Ronge at Bell’s Point Elementary School, Churchill Community High School, Gordon Denny Community School, Sucker River, and Northlands Community College, as well as in communities further away: Creighton, Beauval, Green Lake, Dillon, and Buffalo Narrows. Most of the interns will complete their internship on December 21st, so many are still in their 3-week block. They
Intern Honey Ratt with student
have been very involved in many school activities such as cross country running, fitness programs, homework club, beading, Roots of Empathy program, astronomy club, working in the canteen and making Christmas decorations for a school trip-funder. Our pre-interns have completed 5 weeks of field experience for the fall term. They are getting ready for another 4 weeks of field experience during the winter term. Most have been in La Ronge schools, but some travel to Creighton, Pelican Narrows, Cumberland House, La
Intern Janet Caribou with students
Loche, and Stanley Mission. Thanks to faculty advisors who traveled on the winter roads to your respective schools. Weather and distance can be at times very challenging. Also thank-you to the cooperating teachers for taking extra time during hectic days to mentor your intern. Your patience, support and wisdom will be long lasting. Thank you to the interns who have faced the challenges but also have embraced the joys of being a classroom teacher.
Intern Shirley McLeod with student
Dean’s Honour Roll, Scholarships, and Honour
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ortep would like to congratulate and is very proud of the following students who made the Dean’s Honour Roll and have won scholarships from the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. The following students won the Dean’s Honour Roll: Taryn Ward, Tammy Davies, Leona McLeod, and Stacy Ward. The following students won Undergraduate
scholarships: Taryn Ward, Alden Epp, and Janna Varga The following students were recognized for academic achievement through an invitation to join the Golden Key National Honour Society: Tammy Robinson, Allan Adam, Leona Mcleod, Gail Clarke, Honey Bernatchez, Kristen Charles Alden Epp and Matthew Okemau Bronwyn Cowan ,Taryn Ward, Abby Mcleod, Janna Varga , and Yen Ly. Page 11
Newcomers
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y name is Shirley Lachance and I am one of the new Student Recruitment Officer`s recently hired at NortepNorpac . I am originally from Lac La Ronge and am a Lac La Ronge Indian Band member. My educational background consists of a certificate in Indian Social Work as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Indian Social Work.
I am looking forward to working with current Nortep-Norpac students and attending various Northern communites as part of my recruitment strategy and present to potential students the opportunity of attaining a post secondary education all the while of remaining in the familiarity of the North. I am looking forward to meeting many new faces and presenting this fabulous opportunity as I am a strong believer in higher education as being the gateway to the betterment of the individual and the community as a whole.
My name is Crystal Wolvengrey. I joined the NORTEP-NORPAC team in April of 2012 and in my position I manage the bookstore and assist in the library. I bring with me 4 years experience in the library field and will complete my Library Technician program in early 2013. In the near future I want to enroll in classes in NORTEPNORPAC and work towards a university degree. I look forward to being a student and am sure that it will give me a different perspective. I am grateful for the learning opportunities and work experiences that I have gained thus far. Thank you staff, students, and faculty for welcoming me into the NORTEP family!
Hello, good day, edlanet’e and tanisi. My name is Allan Adam and I am one of the student recruiters with the Nortep-Norpac program. Both Shirley Lachance and myself are busy with our new jobs traveling to career fairs across the North to recruit and encourage people to come to our facility in La Ronge. As well, I am the Denesuline language faculty with Nortep. I have taught many students over the years to gain a better understanding of Dene and the language here at Nortep. This is a job that is very rewarding and fruitful and evidence of that is when students come back to me later and still remember Dene words they learned. Feel free to contact us any time here at Nortep-Norpac to learn more about our programs. Marsi tchogh and tiniki.
Photo credit: Herman Michell
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NORTEP-NORPAC pays tribute to Joe Tsannie By Dr. Herman Michell
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he board, faculty, staff, and students of NORTEPNORPAC mourn the passing of one of their board members. Joe Tsannie from Wollaston Lake will always be remembered for his contributions on the Board of Governors that oversees the 36-year-old organization. As a person who has lived all of his life in Northern Saskatchewan, his voice and that of his community are an important part of what makes up NORTEP-NORPAC today. The fall scenery in Wollaston Lake is one of incredible majestic beauty. The Dene people who come from this area of the North have enjoyed this beautiful landscape for many centuries. One can hear snow geese above as they journey south for the winter. Colorful sunrises greet the day. Evenings touch your spirit from seeing the lake in quiet serenity. At this time of the year, the late Joe Tsannie would be out hunting, fishing, and enjoying quality time with his family. As a board member, he wanted to ensure Dene cultural life ways and language are passed on from
one generation to another. Mr. Tsannie was born during the winter of 1953 in the “bush” on the shores of Sunrise Lake in Northern Saskatchewan. In this era, the Dene and Cree depended heavily on the wisdom of traditional midwives when a child came into the world. Joe grew up learning the knowledge of his ancestors of how to survive on the land. The Dene people consider the land, lakes, and river systems as the ultimate classroom. In his obituary, it states his children will always remember him “hunting caribou and sleeping under the stars.” During the long northern winters, families were known to engage in storytelling, song, dance, stick games, arts, crafts, and in listening to the rhythms of hand drums—all of which reinforce a worldview of connectedness and relatedness. Joe picked up many of these gifts including a love for music and art. As Joe’s life unfolded, he was often called upon to play fiddle and guitar in community celebrations. He also worked with oil paints as a way to express his inner creative voice. Joe witnessed first hand the transition of his people from a nomadic hunting/gathering Page 13
lifestyle to being forced to settle in reservations. In the 1950s and 1960s many northern children were taken from their families and placed in Residential Schools. Joe Tsannie would become part of this sad history in Canada. The social and psychological impacts of these institutions are observable in many northern communities today. Despite his experiences, Joe would go on to become a leader of the Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation for several years. He was a role model for many people in the North. He believed very strongly that one could overcome any obstacle in life through education and a rooted-ness in their culture and languages. He was a strong advocate for accessible post-secondary education and worked tirelessly to ensure that his people received equal opportunities for employment. Joe passed away surrounded by his family on July 15th, 2012. In the language of the Dene and Cree people, there is no word for goodbye, only that “we will meet again.” On behalf of the NORTEP-NORPAC board, faculty, and students this article represents a small tribute to his life and the many contributions he made in Northern Saskatchewan.
Community-Based Master’s Program Offering
The University of Regina’s Faculty of Education and the Northern Teacher Education Program-Northern Professional Access College (NORTEPNORPAC) announced a new partnership for the delivery of a second communitybased master’s program to start this summer in LaRonge, Saskatchewan. “There is continued high demand across the province for community-based graduatelevel programs. This renewed partnership with NORTEPNORPAC provides crucial professional development for teachers. The Faculty of Education believes being in and of community means building community,” said James McNinch, Dean of the Faculty of Education and incumbent director of Saskatchewan Instructional Development & Research Unit.
The new community-based master’s program will have three streams; Aboriginal Languages; Inclusive Education; and Math and Sciences Teaching. There will be a cohort of 25 students who will take courses together ending with a project in one of the three streams. “We strongly believe these are the three priority areas in the North that require graduate level expertise in order to tackle some of the complex challenges facing our schools and communities,” said Herman Michell, executive director of NORTEP-NORPAC. NORTEP-NORPAC has a 35year history in delivering university courses in northern Saskatchewan. Many of the teacher graduates have gone on to assume a variety of leadership positions in schools and communities throughout.
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“It is important that our communities have access to graduate level training in northern Saskatchewan so that we are able to address for example, the ever-widening gaps in Aboriginal education,” said NORTEP-NORPAC Board Chair Joe Daigneault. Through a previous successful partnership between NORTEPNORPAC and the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina, a Master of Education program was delivered in La Ronge with a cohort of 24 northern students who graduated in the summer of 2010. The program’s success is due to its flexibility, its unique cohort model, its on-site coordinator, and the relevant and community-oriented final project. The official signing ceremony took place on May 5th, 2012 at Mistasinihk Place, in LaRonge.
Author Arthur Ray presents to students November 2011
Treaty Catalyst Teacher Training By Laura Burnouf Lac La Ronge Indian Band teachers join with NORTEP faculty in Treaty Catalyst Teacher training facilitated by Cort Dogniez of the Office of the Treaty Commissioner. The OTC provides training to representatives from all schools across the province whether they are provincial or band controlled. Once the 2 day training is completed, these teachers become Treaty Catalyst Teachers. Their role is to provide leadership and expertise in their school division or band school in support of their colleagues who teach treaties in their classrooms. The director of education identifies the teachers and encourages and supports them to take this training. April ChiefCalf (NORTEP faculty) made arrangements with OTC to offer this training. It was facilitated by Cort Doignez of
Saskatoon and it took place at the Nortep building on October 31st and November 1st, 2012. A number of teachers from LLRIB and Nortep faculty took this training and three Elders along with Cort guided the training. The Elders are from different backgrounds and areas and they offered different perspectives and world views on the topics presented. Chief Harry Cook presented the historical and Woodland Cree perspective of the Indian Act. He stressed the urgency to sustain relationship with nature and to protect the land and water. Roseanne Adam told her stories of growing up in Uranium City and talked about her first job at the Eldorado Mine. She worked like a man and wanted to prove that she was strong enough to keep up with the physical demands of the mine. She is concerned that the Dene people of that land
are still affected by the Eldorado mine. Paul Sylvester provided the Dene perspective of traditional land use and how the duty to consult means different things to different people. Paul’s humorous stories are always so enjoyable to listen to. Cort did a great job of getting the teachers to look at resources and to share different ways of using these resources. It gave the catalyst teachers ideas on how to effectively use the resources. The curricular outcomes need to be the starting point in developing units and lessons plans. One of the most important learnings that teachers took away from this training is that there is no excuse not to teach about treaties. It can be integrated within the year and unit plans. We are all accountable.
Smartboard Workshop Smartboard workshop for Year work out an arrangement for 3 Pre-interns and staff him to travel to La Ronge to meet the staff and students and Brian Agren from Sharp Audio facilitate a workshop with us. visual in Saskatoon gave a This happened on November workshop on how to use the 21st 2012 and all staff and smartboard and the software faculty were invited and quite that comes with it to Nortep a few of them took part in Pre-Interns. Deborah Gibson it. This inspired the Year 3s Dingwall had the opportunity and now they will be able to to meet Brian and was able to create lesson plans using the Page 15
By Laura Burnouf
smartbook software. Many of the Pre-interns have been using the smartboard as a form of presentation in the classroom. This workshop gave them more confidence and it is easy to see that the possibilities are endless.
Teaching Treaties in the Classroom By Laura Burnouf Nortep Year 3 Pre-Interns Complete Day 1 and 2 of the Teaching Treaties in the Classroom Workshop The Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC) made it possible for Year 3 NORTEP teacher education students as well as a faculty instructor, Laura Burnouf, to complete a 2-day workshop. The facilitator was Cort Dogniez and the Elder was Paul Sylvestre from Dillon. It took place in September 2012 in the Nortep building. The first day of the workshop was on September 20 and the topic was Treaty Making. Year 3 pre-interns learned about the history of treaties formed in what is now Saskatchewan. The day began with a jigsaw activity where all participants worked in groups to find out what they knew about the treaties. After this, Paul Sylvestre the Dene Elder talked about life experiences under the Indian Act, cultural teachings, and contemporary issues. It was an
eye opener for the pre-interns and it helped them reflect and take part in the sharing circle in a reflective way. A brief look at the Treaty resource materials in the Grades K – 12 was followed by an activity on the Treaty Essential Learnings (TELs). Cort showed a video on the treaty essential learnings and also presented many addresses for websites for the pre-interns to find more resources for their lesson planning. The purpose of Day 2 of the workshop was mainly to become familiar with the resources and materials used to teach treaties. Cort led the group in an eye opening simulation on world views and interpretations. Paul, the Elder, continued to talk about his cultural world view and shared stories on traditional teachings. All participants were required to develop one lesson plan to use in a K to 12 classroom. The pre-interns used computers to explore internet sites and also took a closer look at the treaty
kit and its contents. This was a challenging task because the outcomes needed to match the treaty essential learnings and the activity. There was time for a few pre-interns to share their lessons and everyone realized what could be accomplished in such a short time and in such creative innovative ways. A huge thank you goes to April ChiefCalf and faculty for arranging this opportunity. April took training to be a treaty catalyst teacher this past summer 2012 in Saskatoon. She has been asked to present to the Lac La Ronge Indian Band teachers to facilitate Day 1 and 2 of the Teaching Treaties in the Classroom workshop.
Editorial Team: NORTEP-NORPAC: Herman Michell, Ray Smith, Laura Burnouf (Managing Editor), Sharon Feschuk (Photography), and Guy Penney. University of Regina: Shuana Niessen (Layout and Graphic Design)
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