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Knowledge keepers

The College introduces a standards-based resource to support First Nations learners.

By Helen Dolik
Photo: Matthew Liteplo

Debbie Debassige standing. Debbie is holding a drum in one hand and an ornate drumstick in the other.

From an early age Debbie Debassige, OCT, wanted to be a teacher, just like her mother. However, only a few years after high school, Debassige found herself a single mother moving from job to job with no post-secondary education. Just when she had all but given up on her dream of teaching, Debassige’s grandmother was accepted into the Faculty of Education at Laurentian University at age 74.

“Feeling much pride, I said: ‘If Grandma can do it, so can I!’” recalls Debassige, now the director of school services at the Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute on Manitoulin Island, responsible for delivering the First Nation Student Success Program to 11 K–12 schools.

Today, there are four generations of university graduates in Debassige’s family, from her daughter, Deana, to her grandmother, who was already a teacher in the traditional First Nations sense but wanted a formal education. Debassige and her grandmother both graduated from Laurentian. Then Debassige, who enrolled in Queen’s University’s Aboriginal Teacher Education Program, earned her bachelor of education, overcoming many personal challenges to realize her goal.

As an administrator on Manitoulin Island and a leader in the M’Chigeeng First Nation community, Debassige has helped numerous First Nations children receive an education. The Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute provides educational services, such as college and university accredited programs, pre-employment training programs and small business learning. It also provides an emotional, spiritual and social learning environment that nurtures the whole student.

“It’s critical that our children learn who they are and about themselves, their culture and traditions, and how to keep those alive,” Debassige says. “It’s our culture and traditions that make us stronger.”

Joseph Hare, chief of the M’Chigeeng First Nation, says Debassige is very involved in the community. “I’ve known her all of her life. Besides her being a teacher, she’s a great volunteer.”

“She’s my rock,” adds daughter Deana Debassige, OCT. “She’s very inspiring and motivating. She taught me the difference between right and wrong, how to make responsible decisions … she made me who I am today.”

Debassige’s inspirational story is captured in Knowledge Keepers, a standards-based resource created by the Ontario College of Teachers in collaboration with her and the M’Chigeeng First Nation community.

Knowledge Keepers includes a video and discussion guide for teacher candidates and for the continuing education of OCTs. The video touches on many concepts embedded in the standards found in all Additional Qualification (AQ) course guidelines.

Fay Mackenzie seated at a table with a four young children.
Fay Mackenzie, OCT, with her kindergarten students at Mnjikaning Kendaasin Elementary School in Rama, Ont.

These resources were created to encourage reflection, inquiry and discussion, and will help AQ providers and education partners deliver courses and programs related to aboriginal education. Knowledge Keepers dovetails with the new extended initial teacher education program that takes effect September 2015. The enhanced areas of focus include a knowledge of and appreciation for First Nations, Métis and Inuit traditions, cultures and perspectives.

All teachers can benefit from watching the Knowledge Keepers video and reading the discussion guide. Debassige’s tale inspires hope and demonstrates the love she has for her family, students and community. It is infused with messages of care, trust, respect and integrity. Her story reinforces the standards of practice: commitment to students and student learning, professional knowledge, professional practice, leadership in learning communities and ongoing professional learning.

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Go to bit.ly/1sqKiiM to watch the inspiring Knowledge Keepers video of Debbie Debassige, OCT, an administrator on Manitoulin Island who, after years of overcoming life challenges, is helping First Nations children receive an education. The discussion guide and video are designed to enhance professional practice in incorporating First Nation, Métis and Inuit perspectives into teaching.