The North Spirit Lake community and the network of KiHS teachers have taught me much about; community life in the North, connecting students to the curriculum, being flexible, and appreciating the land. I have found that teaching in the North is a lifestyle.
In the classroom attendance has been one of my priorities. In an attempt to boost the numbers of students coming into the classroom, I have facilitated events such as; pizza parties, baking cookies, movie nights, community volleyball, fitness programming, rabbit snaring, moccasin making, nutrition programming, and online conferences. I continue to put forward an effort to get to know the students and the community through conversations and community events. I enjoy listening to the stories from the community, as there is wisdom in stories. Each story has a message relating to community values.
I truly appreciate how elders are treated in the community. They are consulted before making a decision, and their feedback is highly respected. The students and community members have an honesty to them that is really hard to find anywhere else. At this point, it’s fair to say that they have taught me so much, probably more than I have taught them. Walking through the community, I was asked why I’m always smiling. I had to think for a moment before responding, “I like it here, the people are friendly and the land is beautiful."
In my spare time, I find myself thinking about where we will find partridges or the best spots for fishing. NSL is paradise for the people who love being outdoors. I find myself often going outside and being amazed at the beauty of the landscape, the abundant water, and all of the animals that live in harmony with the community. I look forward to continual learning from the community and students, and aim to provide students with many opportunities for academic success, through culturally relevant education with collaboration with the community. This winter I look forward to ice fishing, and hope to go snowmobiling!
In the classroom attendance has been one of my priorities. In an attempt to boost the numbers of students coming into the classroom, I have facilitated events such as; pizza parties, baking cookies, movie nights, community volleyball, fitness programming, rabbit snaring, moccasin making, nutrition programming, and online conferences. I continue to put forward an effort to get to know the students and the community through conversations and community events. I enjoy listening to the stories from the community, as there is wisdom in stories. Each story has a message relating to community values.
I truly appreciate how elders are treated in the community. They are consulted before making a decision, and their feedback is highly respected. The students and community members have an honesty to them that is really hard to find anywhere else. At this point, it’s fair to say that they have taught me so much, probably more than I have taught them. Walking through the community, I was asked why I’m always smiling. I had to think for a moment before responding, “I like it here, the people are friendly and the land is beautiful."
In my spare time, I find myself thinking about where we will find partridges or the best spots for fishing. NSL is paradise for the people who love being outdoors. I find myself often going outside and being amazed at the beauty of the landscape, the abundant water, and all of the animals that live in harmony with the community. I look forward to continual learning from the community and students, and aim to provide students with many opportunities for academic success, through culturally relevant education with collaboration with the community. This winter I look forward to ice fishing, and hope to go snowmobiling!