Back to School: An Elder’s Guidance

With Connected North staff and hosts tuning in from across the country, Eileen Beaver, Connected North’s Elder in Residence and affectionately known as Auntie Eileen, opened the annual Connected North Staff and Host Retreat with a heartfelt prayer. She asked that words and thoughts be guided for the betterment of the students in the program.

Auntie Eileen shared words of encouragement about the role of School Leads, Hosts, and Content Providers as they connect with students and teachers. “When you come into the class, keep in mind you’re giving them an overview of another type of living. You’re actually connecting many worlds. When you come in, you’re a refresher,” she said.

She also spoke about the culture shock new teachers may experience and offered cross-cultural guidance. For example, she explained that when students avoid direct eye contact, it is a sign of respect and a way of honouring the spirit — not an act of disrespect.

“We were always told to walk the two worlds when the treaties were made, to look at our life as a blade, with both ends sharpened by our traditional knowledge and our Dene ways, and by the colonizing ways we are learning. We need to sharpen both ends so that we understand where you come from and you understand where we come from,” Auntie Eileen reflected, illuminating what it’s like to live as an Indigenous person navigating non-Indigenous systems.

As the new school year begins, she reminded the team that their words and actions will influence the next seven generations. She shared a teaching from the medicine wheel, noting that the four colours symbolize balance, harmony, and interconnectedness. She urged everyone to enter the classroom, physically or virtually, with genuine and authentic hearts to engage with students.

“Our children are the angels who come from the spirit world and need that guidance. As a teacher and provider, you are going to be affecting them.”

Before closing, Auntie Eileen reminded everyone why Connected North matters: “Because you’re bringing so many different insights to smaller or remote communities. Even if you touch one student and they go on to become doctors or lawyers, you can bet that person will say it’s because I’ve seen this.” She also emphasized the value of connecting students with role models from their own communities, who inspire them to say, “I come from a small community, and I can do that if I put my mind to it.”

She smiled as she signed off, saying, “I love you guys. We are going to have fun. We are going to be a community. Each of us can reach out to each other, and we can help each other.” Connected North provides live, interactive virtual learning experiences and access to educational resources for students and teachers in remote communities. It is brought to life by a network of content providers, hosts, school leads, and a dedicated Elder who put their hearts into the program.