Curve Lake resident honoured for public school culture connections
A Curve Lake resident has been recognized by the public school board for her innovation and leadership in supporting Indigenous culture.
Brittany Taylor, along with Langton Public School teachers Leah Ryrie and Terra Macey, was presented with the Director’s Recognition for Innovation and Leadership award during Tuesday’s Trillium Lakelands District School Board meeting.
The award celebrates individuals in the board who have combined the characteristics of innovation and leadership to improve the system and advance the strategic direction goal of improving student learning and achievement, and fostering student and staff well-being.
The trio were recognized for their efforts in supporting the board’s Indigenous Student Success Team focus on developing and strengthening relationships with Elders and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers as part of the board’s strategic plan.
Director of education Wesley Hahn was honoured to acknowledge Taylor’s contributions to the board’s action plan in support of Indigenous education.
Born on the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg Territory, Taylor spent most of her early years as an urban Indigenous child in Toronto who spent many summers in Curve Lake First Nation.
Her grandfather, Herman Dean Taylor — a local hunter, trapper and fishing guide in his earlier life — brought her back home to their ancestral lands in his final stages of this life. He taught Taylor the ways of her people, her place in honouring nibi (water) and guided her through the trails of her ancestors.
“We are truly honoured that Brittany has made numerous visits to many schools in the Kawartha Lakes region to share her wisdom and knowledge,” added Hahn, explaining that Taylor has not only ”improved understanding and knowledge for the staff,” such as language use, gifting tobacco and smudging, but “many of our students who identify as Indigenous have been proudly sharing their experiences and knowledge.”
This includes the students at the Fenelon Falls elementary school where Macey and Ryrie liaison with Indigenous Student Success team member Sherry Telford and Brittany to bring Indigenous teachings to the primary and junior level classes.
Taylor’s teachings on the Anishinaabe Understandings of The Way of the Good Life link well with the social studies curriculum. Students have been learning about the medicine wheel, student identity and a variety of cultural practices.
“We are confident the school is headed in the right direction when it comes to reconciliation,” said Macey, adding that he impact Taylor has had is immeasurable.
Ryrie agreed, noting that she is not only “honoured to have her at the school,” but views her as “part of the family.”
Taylor is proud of the impact she has had on local students, explaining that it’s an opportunity to share and recognize her treasured heritage in a way she herself couldn’t as a child.
“I grew up in an affluent neighbourhood in Toronto … but school wasn’t always a safe space for Indigenous kids,” said Taylor. “I want to let kids know they can be their true selves.”