Indigenous Trustee Christine Ruddy, Dr. Ruth Beatty, Colinda Clyne of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation
Two separate honours in the month of June combine to make a very happy Renfrew County District School Board.
Earlier this month, a group of RCDSB educators led by Indigenous Trustee Christina Ruddy were awarded the Excellence in Community-Campus Research Partnership Award by Community-Based Research Canada for their “First Nations and Métis Math Voices” partnership.
The group also features Vice Principal of Indigenous Education Tina Nelson, Technology Enabled Learning and Teaching Consultant Mike Fitzmaurice, and Heather Lett; along with Laurie Bennett of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.
Alongside Dr. Ruth Beatty, an Associate Professor at Lakehead University, the partnership has spawned a number of projects since it began in 2012.
That includes creating a local “Indigenous Ways of Knowing Mathematics” program that lets students explore a deep understanding of complex mathematical concepts while incorporating Indigenous culture.
Originally developed at Eganville and District Public School, that program is now in place at elementary and secondary schools across the RCDSB.
That’s not the only accolade that our local public school board is touting, as a Deep River teacher has come away with an award of her own.
Patricia Fraser, the Vice Principal of Mackenzie Community School, made the trip to Whitehorse, Yukon, on June 17th as an honoured recipient of a Canadian Conservation Achievement Award.
The Canadian Wildlife Federation has dubbed Fraser WILD Educator of the Year, noting that both she and the RCDSB “have inspired and informed many strategies and approaches” they employ in the WILD Education program.
In a statement, the CWF adds that “willingness to share lessons learned, provide insights into teacher perspectives and challenges, and support program development has gone a long way in helping strengthen the curriculum and ensure that it meets the changing needs of educators.”
(written by Kasey Egan)
Photo Credit: Canadian Wildlife Federation, Vice Principal Patricia Fraser