(Image Credit: YouTube / Government of BC)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

INDIGENOUS EDUCATION IN KAMLOOPS

Kamloops teacher receives provincial honours for Indigenous Education work

Oct 5, 2019 | 1:11 PM

KAMLOOPS —A Kamloops teacher has been honoured by the Premier for her work in education.

Yesterday, (Oct.4) the second annual Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education took place at Government House, with 10 winners.

Jordan Smith, who teaches at the Twin Rivers Education Centre (TREC) and Four Directions school, was awarded in the Indigenous Education category.

In a release, the Ministry of Education says part of Smith’s work involves connecting students with Indigenous culture and history.

Every year, Smith chooses a theme that connect experiential learning, art, community involvement, and field trips. Because of this, students get to take part in hands-on learning opportunities like traditional fishing and gathering, and working alongside Indigenous artists.

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This year, Smith utilized a Vancouver Foundation grant to start a program designed to integrate Indigenous ways of knowing alongside western school curriculum by involving family, Elders, and knowledge keepers.

“All British Columbians benefit from the outstanding efforts of teachers, administrators and support workers,” said Premier John Horgan in the release. “The education professionals honoured through the Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education are exemplary in their commitment to student success, making schools safe and welcoming places for all, innovative learning approaches and strong leadership, and having made lasting impacts on peoples’ lives.”

The winners were chosen from 140 nominations, and narrowed down to 30 finalists.

Awards began in 2018 with the goal of honouring exceptional performances from public, independent and First Nations school teachers, principals, vice-principals, administrators and support staff in the K-12 school system.

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