Yellowknife (July 25/03) - We all think teachers are sunning themselves on the beach this summer. In reality, they are knee-deep in fish guts far from home.

Elder Angelique Nadli of Fort Providence wields a knife to show participant Joanne McGrath of Yellowknife the traditional way to fillet fish. - photo courtesy of Ministry of Education, Culture, and Employment

A group of teachers from NWT and Nunavut signed up for an educational leadership program in Fort Providence earlier this month.

Four out of 36 were from Yellowknife.

Randy Caines, a teacher at Sir John Franklin high school, was thrilled about the hands-on experience of the program.

"It was rejuvenating to see Northern people focusing together to share problems and solutions" the physical education teacher says.

According to Caines, he has never regretted ongoing education in his career, and this recent training is no different.

Participants came from as far as Cambridge Bay, Baker Lake, Iqaluit, and Deline.

The 10-day program focused on the unique Northern perspective teachers in the territory experience, according to Don Morrison, organizer with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Employment.

Elders from the community spent time with the teachers, demonstrating traditional drumming and fish filleting.

Integrating Northern culture into schools is an integral skill for teachers working in the North, said Morrison.

Sharing experiences and knowledge with people from other communities is a big benefit of the program too, he added.

"Candidates always enjoy sharing experiences and ideas with candidates from other territories," he says.

Sharing frustrations with others is also important, he said, adding "it's just nice to know the person down the road."

Once teachers complete the 250 hours of course work, their new found leadership skills make them eligible to pursue certification as school principals.