TSIIGEHTCHIC/ARCTIC RED RIVER - Chief Paul Niditchie School has had its fair share of teachers come and go over the years – some move on to other schools in the regions, some to other parts of the country.

Renie Koe, left, who was worked at Chief Paul Niditchie School in Tsiigehtchic for the last 15 years was recognized for her dedication to student growth this past Friday. School principal Cynthia Wagner, right, said Koe's contribution to the school and the community is something she and the rest of the staff hold dear to their hearts. - Andrew Livingstone/NNSL photo

But for Renie Koe, Tsiigehtchic is home and for 15 years she's dedicated herself to instilling the values of a good education into students coming through the doors of the community school.

Koe was honoured last Friday for her 15 years of work with the school and her dedication to educating youth in the community and bettering their lives.

A mother of five, Koe, who is originally from Fort McPherson, spent the last five years working as an aboriginal languages instructor, teaching students in her first language – Gwich'in. She's also worked in the classroom as a teachers assistant and with the kindergarten students at the school.

Koe's demeanour is full of modesty, but when she talks about teaching younger generations Gwich'in, her eyes light up, a sign of her dedication and passion to preserving the language.

"I was raised in McPherson where the language was taught from kindergarten to Grade 9 and I was enjoying going to the classes, reading and writing and speaking it," she said, adding a dedicated language instructor wasn't always in the cards for Tsiigehtchic. "They asked me if I wanted to teach language here and I know the basics and I said I'd give it a shot.

"I stepped up to the plate and have made the best of it," she said of the moment she agreed to take on the role, not having ever taught her language before. "I'm learning myself every day. The kids really enjoy it. They seem to be learning a lot and they're understanding the meaning of the words I'm teaching them."

Cynthia Wagner, principal of Chief Paul Niditchie School, said Koe's dedication and determination to building a foundation for students goes above and beyond what is expected of her.

"It's good to have that community connection, she's our cultural liaison," she said. "It's good to be able to bounce ideas off her. She's invaluable when we're planning for the year. Everybody knows her.

Wagner said it's important to preserve the Gwich'in language for future generations and Koe's work with students across all grade levels has helped build a solid foundation for that to happen.

"It's amazing how many languages have died out across Canada," she said. "Renie is doing amazing things with the language here and it's something she really cares about."

Using songs and games as methods of teaching the language, on top of the regular reading and writing exercises, Koe is able to draw students into the language.

Ingrained in her passion for language instruction is a want for kids to have limitless opportunities when they get older.

"Being a role model for a younger generation, it's really important to me, education is important," she said.

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