A Rainbow District School Board teacher has earned an Indspire Award for her work with students at the N’Swakamok Alternative School in Sudbury.
Laurie Dunn received the Guiding the Journey: Indigenous Educator Award in the Partner in Indigenous Education category. The Indspire Awards Ceremony was held Nov. 20 at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
“We congratulate Laurie Dunn for earning this recognition on the national level,” said Bruce Bourget, Director of Education for Rainbow District School Board, in a press release.
“This award speaks highly of Laurie’s qualities as an educator. She respects the identity and culture of Indigenous learners, creates meaningful learning opportunities, encourages students to believe in their abilities, and inspires them to achieve their goals. We are certainly proud of Laurie Dunn for her outstanding work as a long-time educator at the N’Swakamok Alternative School.”
Guiding the Journey recognizes Indigenous educators, one Indigenous organization, and one non-Indigenous educator who have made valuable contributions to community-based education and who honour the principles of Indigenous knowledge.
“A non-Indigenous teacher of Indigenous learners, Laurie leads with her heart and is a stellar educator,” said N’Swakamok Alternative School Principal Heather Downey. “She balances respect for Indigenous teachings with care for our Indigenous learners and they thrive.”
Indigenous youth and adults are inspired to re-engage with the education system and achieve their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Laurie Dunn stays connected with students after they have graduated to provide ongoing support, assist them with their post-secondary courses, and encourage them on a positive path.
“Laurie engages students in relevant learning and cultural experiences in collaboration with the Friendship Centre,” said Downey. “Committed to Truth and Reconciliation, Laurie cares for each and every student and nurtures them to find success.
“The students are led with dignity and purpose on their journey towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Laurie also organizes activities and field trips that are land and culture based to ensure that our students not only remain connected to their land but further develop their understanding of and connection to our territory.”
As the school’s literacy lead, Dunn works diligently to prepare students for success on the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), which is a graduation requirement. She pays close attention to Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to ensure students receive additional support.
“Beyond the great pedagogy that Laurie develops, what is most important to me is that Laurie truly listens, and, therefore, truly hears our learners - giving them a voice and a true sense of belonging,” said Downey.
“Laurie Dunn takes full responsibility for her own learning and teaching, and, in turn, fosters a healthy, happy and educationally sound environment for our Indigenous learners at the N’Swakamok Alternative School.”
As an award recipient, Dunn received a complimentary ticket to the 2024 National Gathering for Indigenous Education in Winnipeg, including the Indspire Awards Ceremony, for herself and a guest, an award from Indspire President and CEO Mike DeGagné, and a gift of $1,000 to be used towards classroom needs.
Laurie Dunn travelled to the ceremony with Kelly-Lee Assinewe, the Co-ordinator of the N’Swakamok Alternative School, who welcomed the opportunity to celebrate her success on the national stage.
Dunn graduated from Nipissing University in North Bay with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education in 2002. She has been teaching for over 20 years and has experience in both the secondary and elementary panels.
She has had an impact on students at the N’Swakamok Alternative School for the past 15 years. The N’Swakamok Alternative School is located in the N’Swakamok Friendship Centre in Sudbury.