Philippe Morin
Northern News Services
Published Monday, November 12, 2007

ARCTIC RED RIVER - Principal Dan Gagne said teaching at Chief Paul Niditchie school is a rewarding experience.

The Tsiigehtchic school has 26 students, which are spread out between kindergarten and Grade 9.

Tsiigehtchic's chief Paul Niditchie school has a wall which commemorates elders. It offers an inspiring example for students and celebrates the accomplishments of local people. - Philippe Morin/NNSL photo

On Nov. 7, Gagne said he especially liked working there because local parents are involved.

"One hundred percent of the parents came to a Halloween activity, that was a nice surprise," he said.

Gagne, who took the reigns from former principal Allen Pitcher this year, said the school often reaches out to elders and parents in the community of about 130.

One example he mentioned was parent teacher night, which happens in late November after report cards are released.

Another feature at Chief Paul Niditchie school is a wall of elders, which celebrates local people.

Gagne said all the community's elders are given a place on the wall, which reads "Our Tsiigehtchic elders, Knowledge + Experience = Wisdom."

This is a longstanding tradition at the school, which has grown to feature more than 30 elders.

"The wall is getting too big, we're going to have to make some changes," Gagne said, adding deceased elders might soon be placed on a "wall of honour" while living elders would remain on the current wall.

Thanks to aboriginal language teacher Renie Koe, the school also features a number of Gwich'in phrases on posters, which connect the school to local culture.

Gagne added a photographer was scheduled to visit from Inuvik to add more faces to the school's wall before Christmas break.