At the Board Meeting of November 15th Naotkamegwanning (Whitefish Bay First Nations) member, Howard Copenace, was welcomed as the Elder in Residence for the Kenora Catholic District School Board.
"Howard is joining our team after teachers, students and their families have requested more traditional teachings, culture and language as well as an opportunity to develop a consistent relationship with an Elder", says Shelly Tom, Aboriginal Education Coordinator. "We've worked with Howard last year when we brought him in to teach the elementary students square dancing and jigging."
Copenace comes with a background in Social services and has worked with many First Nation communities in the area. Copenace is a grass dancer, drummer, Elder and a grandparent.
"We are very fortunate to have an Elder of Howard's quality join our team," says Paul White, Superintendent of Instructional Service. "Our students are going to benefit from his teachings, knowledge and friendly personality. What we have found is that the well-being of our students goes hand-in-hand with student achievement. We are hoping to see gains for all of our students (Anishinabe and non-Anishinabe) in having a welcoming environment where they have the ability to speak to an Elder and feel more comfortable in their school."
Over the course of 50 school days Copenance will work hand-in-hand with Aboriginal Education Coordinator, Shelly Tom. Tom explained that the school visits will be equally balanced and based on school needs and teacher requests.
Copenance says he's looking forward to working with the students, teachers and staff.
"We are going to talk about the creation stories about life. We will talk about life and creation from an Anishinabe perspective and the importance of the gifts that are all around us in nature. We will talk about ceremonies, how it was and how people took care of themselves. Seasons, medicines that grow and laws, the clan system, the Creator. These are the things that I would like to share with the students."