Francois, affectionately named Mrs. Fwasi by staff and students, is the school's elder in residence.

She takes a seat in the corner of a classroom to work on her sewing while the students stream in from recess.

Francois teaches them the Dogrib language, and then shows the students how to bead, make bannock or cut dry meat. The food she prepares is used at snack time the next day.

School principal Angela James said the school has a mandate to teach Dene language and culture and foster as traditional an environment as possible for the kids.

"Ms. Fwasi is all that wrapped in one," said James.

"It took us a year to find her," said James. "We're really lucky. The added presence of a Dene elder really grounds the kids."

Francois said she enjoys her time at the school.

"They just watch what I do, they're still just small yet," said Francois. "I think it's important for them to learn in their own language."

Francois said she especially enjoys hearing the children speak Dogrib.

"They speak a little bit, they're really trying," she said.

Francois has eight grown children in the community and four of her grandchildren attend the school.

The school has 70 students this year and expects 80 next year. James said she was lobbying for a new building.

"We'll pretty much be at capacity next year," she said. "We're confident we'll figure something out because we're a pretty important part of the community."