Indigenous educators recognized for outstanding contributions

The procession of Guiding the Journey: Indigenous Educator Award recipients, together with David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, were welcomed by the traditional drums of the Chiila Elementary School Drum Group, 10 youth ranging in age from five to 12 years from the Tsuu T’ina Nation in Alberta.
Hosted by comedian, hip-hop artist and motivational speaker Wab Kinew, the inaugural Guiding the Journey: Indigenous Educator Awards were held at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary at a black tie dinner on March 15.

Recently appointed director of Indigenous Inclusion at the University of Winnipeg, Kinew charmed the audience with his sense of humour and light-hearted banter throughout the evening. At one point, he related how he had always been told that “Education is the new buffalo.” To this phrase he added, “but the Sundance is still the Sundance.”

Johnston asked the audience gathered at the dinner to remember three words: “Cherish your teachers,” a theme that resonated throughout the evening. Departing from his prepared speech, the Governor General related personal anecdotes of his own life’s journey that told of the formation of his identity, honoring the influence of his own mentors and guides along the way.

Steve Williams, president and CEO of Suncor Energy, which had earlier announced a $1.7 million commitment to the Inspire Institute, spoke of the wealth that young, engaged people bring. When he said, “It is in the best interest to make the relationship a two-way street,” he received loud and continuous applause.
Elder Francis First Charger, Ninnaisipistoo: Owl Chief of the Kainai First Nation, gave the opening prayer in the Blackfoot language. That was followed by lively entertainment that began with Métis jig dancer Corbin Poitras, who had everyone clapping and tapping along to his fancy jig steps. His performance of three traditional dances, the traditional Métis sash dance, the broom dance and the ever popular Red River jig, gave the evening’s festivities a warm glow and energetic tone.

Accompanied by his cousin Shauna Seeteenak’s throat singing, Nelson Tagoona captivated the crowd with his original creation, throat boxing, a fusion of traditional Inuit throat singing and modern beat boxing. The Chiila Elementary School Drum Group was warmly welcomed when they took centre stage for a second performance.

The stage was then set and the atmosphere lively for the audience who had come to see their family members, friends and colleagues receive the great honors bestowed upon them for their outstanding contributions to Indigenous education on this memorable evening.

As patron of the awards, the Governor General accompanied Roberta Jamieson, president and CEO of Indspire, in recognizing 11 recipients in six categories: Community Service, Innovative Practice, Indigenous Education Partner, Language, Culture and Traditions, Leadership and Role Model.

Established in 1993 as the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, this year’s awards marked the 20th anniversary of the Indigenous community celebrating the highest honour of its achievers. Presented as part of the National Gathering for Indigenous Education, the awards recognized outstanding Indigenous educators for their innovation, their leadership, and their devotion to community.

“Indspire’s inaugural Guiding the Journey awards shine a much deserved spotlight on recipients who, by their achievements, dedication and commitment to Indigenous values, are helping countless youth succeed,” said Jamieson.

The crowning glory, the lifetime achievement award, was bestowed upon Lottie Keye of the Six Nations of the Grand River in Ontario. When the jury received Lottie Keye’s nomination, they were overwhelmed, said Jamieson. Because it didn’t fit into any particular category, the jury created the Lifetime Achievement Award for an individual whose lifelong contribution was in two or more of the six key areas of achievement.

Jamieson described Keye as a tremendous mentor and an inspirational role mode. At a time when languages were in tremendous difficulty, she was one of the first language teachers in the 1980s without assurance of pay.

“She started with nothing but a rich sense of passion and commitment,” said Jamieson.

Described as a pioneer in language revitalization, Keye was a founding teacher of the community’s Cayuga language immersion schools. She devoted her entire career to preserving the Cayuga language.

In her 28 years of teaching, Keye taught language, culture and tradition to multiple generations through sharing her own experiences, stories and Indigenous knowledge. She furthered her career as a researcher, translator and transcriber of the Cayuga language and co-authored the Gayogohonin/Cayuga Dictionary.
In 2008 she was recognized as an Indigenous Knowledge Guardian by the Six Nations Polytechnic board of directors, of which she is a member.
“At 75, she continues to work for our people,” said Jamieson.
Jamieson, acknowledged the permanent mark the honoured educators have left on their communities.

“They will forever have a place in the history of this country as inaugural recipients,” she said.

Indigenous Educator Award Recipients

Kelly-Lee Assinewe,
Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, Ont.,
Community Service

Brent Kaulback,
Fort Smith, N.W.T.,
Indigenous Education Partner
Tanya Leary, Roseau River First Nation, Man.,
Innovative Practice

Doris Camsell,
Deh Gah Gotie Dene Band, N.W.T.,
Language, Culture and Traditions

Curtis Michael,
Shubenacadie Mi’kmaq First Nation, N. S.,
Language, Culture and Traditions

Neil Debassige,
M’Chigeeng First Nation, Ont.,
Leadership

Deloria Many Grey Horses,
Kainai First Nation, Alta.,
Leadership

Gordon Martell,
Waterhen Lake Cree First Nation, Sask.,
Leadership

Eric Wilson,
Peguis First Nation, Man.,
Leadership

Kirsten Barnes,
Gitxsan First Nation, B.C.,
Role Model

Brandi Vezina,
Métis, Manitoba,
Role Model

Lottie Keye,
Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario,
Lifetime Achievement in Education