Profiles of Aboriginal Educators: Footprints for the Future
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H O M E C O M M U N I T Y Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba C U LT U R A L I D E N T I T Y Anishnabe Nation, Eagle Clan C U R R E N T P O S I T I O N Educator of traditional Anishinaabe knowledge and way of life Ab. Education (Mar24-09)FINAL.indd 26 3/24/09 3:09:14 PM
as a speaker of the traditional teachings that have been handed on to me by our elders and knowledge keepers. It is the elders who have inspired me to really assume this teaching role that I am in today. It allows me the freedom to express the teachings and has directed my actions in life. For example, it became my responsibility to build the Turtle Lodge in Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba. The main facility of the Turtle Lodge was built by volunteers as a labor of love and completed in 2003. Today it is a place where we can experience our ceremonies, hear our teachings and continue to learn from the sacred laws of our people, such as the Seven Sacred Laws. It’s important to note that I had to make some critical decisions to get to where I am today. I chose to leave the system in order to return to the land that would allow me to learn from the sacred sites. It is these first hand experiences, and my interaction and commitment to being on the land that has allowed me to learn the teachings which has allowed me to activate our sacred sites and my own spirit. This has come from trusting in my own spirit and through embracing an Indigenous way of life. I have had obstacles or challenges to overcome in order to sustain my course of action. As a teacher of traditional knowledge I recognize that there are so many stereotypes and misconceptions about who we are as a people. The challenge is to inspire people to be open to a way of life that everyone can benefit from and to help people see the reality of spirit. I overcome these obstacles through perseverance and through the continued encourage- ment and mentorship from the Elders. I believe it is important for our youth to pursue education as a career. Our youth should get as much education as possible that could lend to our survival as a people. It’s important to note that an academic education is an intellectual one. This type of education is important but we must also remember that we can also learn in other ways that nurture other parts of our being. We need to learn about the spirit and about what is around us. For example, there is much learning that comes from the land and we must remember that the earth is what truly sustains us. It is important to know about our place in all of creation because it is this learning that will truly sustain all life. We can also learn from your Elders, from participating in ceremonies. I recognize the significance of my own educational journey and hope it inspires youth to find their place in life. The knowl- edge of the Elders is part of our ancient ways that has survived the generations. Through these teachings we come to learn that each of us must take responsibility for our individual lives and at the same time we must recognize our own unique gifts that will help all of us to survive. This is a responsible way to live that requires discipline. E D U C AT I O N / T R A I N I N G
R O L E S / R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S
of our Indigenous way of life. I am also a teacher. The Elders have confirmed in the gatherings and in the ceremonies that we have arrived at a time where, “A New Life is Arriving”. We are told by the Elders that it would be the Indigenous people who would lay the foundation for a new life. So I would encourage everyone, not just indigenous people, to learn about the Seven Sacred Laws. There are important teachings that can be the foundation for our individual lives, for family and community life. Spirit is what gives us vision. Spirit is what holds the Truth. We are born from Spirit. It is the essence of Love. The Elders are there to offer direction and support for anyone who is serious about understanding the truth of life and the sacred relationship we have with the Earth. David Courchene Jr. Neeghani Aki Innini – Leading Earth Man Ab. Education (Mar24-09)FINAL.indd 27 3/24/09 3:09:14 PM
H O M E C O M M U N I T Y Winnipeg C U LT U R A L I D E N T I T Y Iroquois and Canadian C U R R E N T P O S I T I O N Researcher - Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre Ab. Education (Mar24-09)FINAL.indd 28 3/24/09 3:09:20 PM
Frank Deer E D U C AT I O N / T R A I N I N G Bachelor of Education - University of Manitoba Masters in Education - University of Manitoba PhD - University of Saskatchewan First Nation of Southern Quebec, I was raised by a family that worked hard and provided for each other. Although neither of my parents had acquired a high school education, they both encouraged me to pursue higher education. As I reflect on my early school experiences, I had few role models who embodied the virtues that would nurture in me a desire to pursue higher education. Unfortunately, this initially lead to a high school experience that was not very enriching. I was not interested in school and my mind was frequently on other things. Like many young people, there was a time when I did not appre- ciate high school. As a result, my academic performance was not impressive. Fortunately, I found a positive outlet through playing sports and this helped me focus on my studies. It also provided me with valuable role models who inspired me to pursue higher education – as they led through example. Later, as an aging athlete in university I realized I had to make some decisions about my future career. After a short time as a teacher-in-training, I concluded that working in education could lead to a rewarding career. For one thing, it would allow me to continue coaching and mentoring young athletes. So I made the decision to become a teacher. It has led to other opportunities and has allowed me to contribute to the betterment of my community.
a small Aboriginal community in northern Manitoba. It has always been one of my favorite teaching experiences for a number of reasons. For one, I really enjoyed the natural beauty of the region and the eagerness of my students to learn. This provided me with a positive work experience that I will remem- ber forever. It also inspired me to pursue an academic career in educational leadership. I later enrolled in the Master’s program in educational administration at the University of Manitoba and served as a substitute teacher before moving to Saskatoon to complete a doctoral degree in Educational Administration.
In the last few years, I have had the opportunity to teach at both the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Manitoba. Currently, I am a Research and Development Specialist with the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre. My current position is very rewarding because it allows me to address the unique issues associated with First Nations education. Although my career is still evolving, I realize that I was able to get where I am today because I chose to continue pursuing higher educa- tion. I realize that education has allowed me to create a solid foundation on which I have been able to build a successful professional career. 29 Living on the Kahnawake Education is a journey that may involve struggle. Don’t fear this journey, even if it takes you away from home. The journey of acquiring education can be regarded as a microcosm of life: one that is long-term and that may involve many challenges. It is important to remember that we must often make sacrifices in order to realize our goals. R O L E S / R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S
Ab. Education (Mar24-09)FINAL.indd 29 3/24/09 3:09:20 PM
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