REGINA – The Northern Lights School Division Board of Education has received the 2024 Premier’s Board of Education Award for Innovation and Excellence in Education for its submission of “Indigenization in Northern Lights School Division No. 113”.
The Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) co-ordinates the Premier’s Award each year. The award was presented on behalf of Premier Scott Moe during the SSBA’s Annual General Assembly on Monday.
“I am pleased to see the Northern Lights School Division Board of Education’s innovative approaches to promoting indigenous culture in education,” said Education Minister Everett Hindley. “The Government of Saskatchewan applauds the division for its leadership in reconciliation through education.”
In its application for the award, Northern Lights said of its submission: “The focus on Indigenization permeates the school division, evident in all schools and in every partnership … The journey to addressing (Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action), Indigenization and decolonization was developed to engage our students in the context and historical place inhabited by our people since time immemorial. There has been a concerted effort to engage our students in cultural activities on the land, in their language and honouring their knowledge, values and history.”
“Almost 90 per cent of our nearly 4,000 students identify as Indigenous, so this work for us has significance that extends far beyond test results and memorizing textbooks,” said NLSD board chair Joey McCallum. “It is our great honour and privilege to receive this award tonight and we thank the province for its recognition of such a vital project.”
To view a video about the award recipients, please visit: https://youtu.be/ivMfuprzLGI
At its assembly, the SSBA also recognized:
- Award of Distinction – David Thompson (Lloydminster Public)
- Award of Distinction – Audrey Trombley (South East Cornerstone)
- Degree Program Scholarship sponsored by Aon – Gurseerat Sandhu (Saskatoon Public)
- Technical/Trades Program Scholarship sponsored by Manulife – Ava Gasper (Sun West)
The SSBA is also selecting a new 2024-25 Provincial Executive, which will be led by Dr. Shawn Davidson (Prairie South), who was elected to the position of President by acclamation.