Yukon s education system is getting shake-up, with a new First Nations School Board pushing for more on-the-land schooling. I think it’s a model that really defines what truth and reconciliation can be, says the board s executive director.
Beaver Creek was the only community that voted unanimously for the new First Nations school board in a referendum last week. Educators say the new board will amplify the on-the-land teaching they already do for their students.
It’s just past 8:30 am and the kids of Nelnah Bessie John School in Beaver Creek, Yukon are easing into the day. Principal and kindergarten to Grade 4 teacher Heidi Warren likes to start each morning with half an hour of self-regulated free time. Some students play games, some chat with friends, some need a little more rest before the day s lessons can begin.
“It’s about getting you into that window of tolerance and optimal zone for learning,” says Warren. “I also have a dog that comes in and hangs out with the kids.”
The westernmost community in Canada, Beaver Creek sits just at the border to Alaska. Fewer than 100 residents live here on the lands of the White River First Nation. The seven students at Nelnah Bessie John are the only kids in the community.
Starfinder Foundation to honor Ray Gaddis, other community leaders who align with their mission this week
The annual Cocktails with a Kick fundraiser will be a virtual multi-day event this year
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Stafinder Foundation
Starfinder Foundation’s annual Cocktails with a Kick fundraiser, like so many events that have occurred in the past year, will look completely different without an in-person component but the message will be much the same for an organization entering its 20th year serving the community.
“We decided to take people in the community that are making a difference and align with our mission and our guiding principles and said how about we have them talk about Starfinder from their perspective,” executive director Andrea Rodgers said. “It was a really great experience to get to this point to work with them and hear what they had to say about the organization, and why people support it and why they’re champions of the work we do.”