Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Monday, June 18, 2007

FORT RESOLUTION - An instructor at Fort Resolution's Deninu school has been honoured for her contributions to aboriginal education, particularly her efforts to promote traditional culture to students.

Angie Fabien, a special needs/culture co-ordinator, has been named the recipient of the Northwest Territories Teachers' Association Aboriginal Education Award.

"My reaction upon hearing the news was a big surprise," said Fabien, who was nominated by her peers at Deninu school.

Amanda Mallon, the president of the teachers' association, said co-workers particularly noted Fabien's dedication to passing on her language and culture skills, and her effectiveness in establishing connections with community members.

Her co-workers also described her as the driving force in a cultural renewal at Deninu school.

Among her contributions, she set up an elders program and organizes culture camps for students in the fall, winter and spring.

Fabien said culture is a big part of teaching students at Deninu school.

"It's very important because it's part of their identity," she said. "The students learn respect for their culture, the land and wildlife, and survival skills. And they can practice their traditional lifestyle."

Fabien, who was born in Fort Resolution, attended residential school in Fort Smith as a child and lost some of her early language skills. A few years in Hay River further removed her from her cultural roots.

Upon returning to Fort Resolution in her 30s, she worked on relearning her language and culture. Today, she speaks fluent Chipewyan and is working on her reading and writing skills in the language.

"As an adult, she models life-long learning and passes that along to her students," Mallon said.

Fabien started working at Deninu school as a custodian, before helping students with special needs. She now works half time with special needs students and the rest of her time co-ordinating cultural and language activities.

Mallon will present the award to Fabien during graduation ceremonies at Deninu school on June 28.