TTHEK'EHDELI/JEAN MARIE RIVER - Andy Norwegian has been recognized for his work in the field of education and language.

During a ceremony in Jean Marie River on June 19 Norwegian was presented with the NWT Teachers' Association's Aboriginal Education Award.

Amanda Mallon, left, president of the NWT Teachers' Association, presents Andy Norwegian with the association's Aboriginal Education Award during a ceremony in Jean Marie River. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

The award is given yearly to an educator who has made a significant contribution to aboriginal education.

It was a privilege to give the award to someone who's contributed as much to education in the North as Norwegian has, said Amanda Mallon, the president of the NWT Teachers' Association.

"Every single person I told said it was well deserved," Mallon said.

Norwegian, who works as a language specialist for the Dehcho Divisional Education Council in Fort Simpson, was nominated for the award by his co-worker Fanny Swartzentruber.

Norwegian, who has spent almost 30 years in education, is highly regarded for the work he's done to enhance the Slavey language, said Swartzentruber.

"I know he just loves teaching Slavey," she said.

Norwegian also practices what he teaches with regards to language and culture, which is important when you're teaching children, Swartzentruber said.

"He's always speaking Slavey," she said.

Having worked with Norwegian while he was a teacher at Bompas elementary school and also at the council office, Swartzentruber said she's witnessed his integrity and authenticity.

"He tries to live his life in accordance with his heart," she said.

Norwegian said he was honoured to be nominated for the award but felt awkward about accepting it. In the Dene culture you're taught that when you get good at something you haven't done it alone, he said. It takes a lot of people to help you reach your goals.

Norwegian thanked his parents Bella and Louie Norwegian for insisting he continue with his education.

Norwegian, who was raised in Jean Marie River, said it was fitting to receive his award in the community because that's where he first dedicated himself to language education.

"It was like it came full circle," he said.

When Norwegian attended school in the community in the 1960s all of the students were fluent in Slavey and spoke English as a second language. After returning from teachers' college in 1980 to teach at the school Norwegian discovered that out of 14 students only two spoke fluent Slavey, four had passive Slavey and the rest spoke only English.

It was that change that drove Norwegian to specialize in language.

After teaching for two years in Jean Marie River and another four in Fort Simpson, Norwegian jumped at the chance to hold the language specialist position when it was created by the Education Council.

For the past 22 years Norwegian has supported language specialists in the schools by creating material.

Norwegian assisted in the development of the Dene Kede curriculum for the elementary school level and later for junior high students.

His major endeavours have also included two dictionary projects and many other publications.

Over the years there have been challenges in supporting the Slavey language in the schools, he said. Currently the program only maintains the language.

Norwegian said he stays enthusiastic about his job by working towards a day when the language will not only be maintained in the schools but also revitalized.

"I hope that will be achieved before I retire," said Norwegian.