Profiles of Aboriginal Educators: Footprints for the Future
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H O M E C O M M U N I T Y Matlock Manitoba, Father: Peguis, Mother: Fisher River C U LT U R A L I D E N T I T Y Cree C U R R E N T P O S I T I O N Administrator - Public School Ab. Education (Mar24-09)FINAL.indd 66 3/24/09 3:11:23 PM
Sheila Spooner E D U C AT I O N / T R A I N I N G Bachelor of Education Masters in Education Currently pursuing my PhD - University of Manitoba as an educator because I am able to interact with students, teachers, and parents. I also enjoy working in the classroom where I can ask students what they are learning and share in- formation about Aboriginal people, their culture, history, and perspectives. My overall goal is to work to promote Aboriginal education and awareness at all levels within the system. There are obstacles we all have to overcome to achieve our goals in life. I faced many struggles. I came from an abusive and alcoholic home environment and eventually was made a ward of the court. Although I was moved through thirteen foster homes, my desire to achieve a good education for myself and to make a better place for Aboriginal students within the system has remained strong. Many times I have felt that I have been misunderstood. I have had to deal with such things as racism and prejudice, but I continue to try and teach about our way of life, our culture, and our values. Several people in my life have pushed and supported me to pursue a higher education and to maintain my course of action. I am thankful for this support. My mother was one of these people. She was very clear that we were to strive to do our best, that we were not to complain about life, and that we should make sure we got out and made a difference. The Persowich family from Sundown, Manitoba, and Claudette Dupont were also very instrumental in keeping this drive towards excellence fresh and focused. My father was very determined that my education emphasized the traditional survival skills. To this day, I practice traditional skills like filleting, snaring and pre- paring foods from the wild. This education is invaluable and something that as a community we are losing. Our children are swiftly moving towards technology and away from a traditional lifestyle. Some may never experience this type of survival based education which many of us grew up with. One day this may be our greatest regret.
I have had to make many critical decisions to get where I am today. For example, I made the choice to stay in school and to make some major life changes. I realized I had to live a drug- and alcohol-free life and that I would have to continue to strengthen my character. Today, I further my education every chance I get. I try to be mindful of the values that we were taught, and I always remember to treat people respectfully.
models within the school system. We need more Aboriginal teachers, support teachers, and administrators to lead the way. For example, as an Aboriginal person working in an urban school division, I recognize that the institutions try to make the person fit within them, when in reality; education should be about adapting and nurturing individuals in their own pursuit of education. Together, through introducing and incorporating an Aboriginal perspective, we can help Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal students chart a path to life-long success. Without more visible and successful role models, our community will continue to score the lowest, achieve the least, and be the least successful citizens. We need youth to stay in school, to become contributing members of society because each person can in- dividually make a difference. 67 R O L E S / R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S
Remember to stay true to your values and beliefs even when you are feeling as if you are under attack. Hold your head high and be the best person you can be. Never lose your Aboriginal perspective. That is what makes you special, and know that your struggles in life will make you a source of knowledge for others. Share with those who are sincere in their wish to learn about our culture and way of being. Ignore the people who are still stuck in prejudice for they will waste your energy and time. Remember to laugh and be healthy. It will bring you peace. Ab. Education (Mar24-09)FINAL.indd 67 3/24/09 3:11:23 PM
H O M E C O M M U N I T Y Matheson Island on Lake Winnipeg, Selkirk, Cranberry Portage, The Pas, Cross Lake. Member of Sagkeeng First Nation C U LT U R A L I D E N T I T Y Ojibwe - Cree C U R R E N T P O S I T I O N Research & Development Specialist with Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre Ab. Education (Mar24-09)FINAL.indd 68 3/24/09 3:11:30 PM
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