Educational Leadership Awards Presented At LEADS ASC

Nicole Hill is a student in the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP). She exemplifies excellence in her academic and professional pursuits. Nicole’s extended practicum in a Kindergarten Michif classroom at Stobart School in Duck Lake under the Prairie Spirit School Division highlights her extraordinary contributions to education and Métis culture.

In her exceptional effort to revitalize the Michif language, Nicole took the initiative to learn Michif prior to her teaching placement. Despite having no prior knowledge of the language, her determination and dedication transformed her into a confident Michif speaker and cultural role model. Nicole’s instructional strategies are not only engaging and innovative but also deeply rooted in cultural preservation and community values. She created a classroom environment where students felt valued, connected and inspired to embrace their Métis identity.

Nicole’s teaching practice incorporated authentic hands-on approaches, including several land-based education experiences. Her students actively participated in activities such as gathering berries, learning about Mother Earth and engaging in traditional practices. Demonstrating flexibility and creativity, she facilitated unique learning experiences like duck plucking which led to a traditional feast, that was shared and celebrated by students and the community. By working closely with Elders, Nicole ensured authenticity in her teachings, instilling a profound respect for cultural heritage among her students.

Beyond her instructional expertise, Nicole displayed remarkable leadership and teamwork. During her practicum, she took on various leadership roles, including organizing the school-wide Terry Fox Run, arranging an Elder led Indigenous storytelling workshop for elementary students. Nicole also facilitated a staff smudge and guided a restorative sharing circle during a staff meeting, fostering a sense of community and shared learning among her colleagues. Her leadership extended to coaching junior girls’ volleyball, and volunteering for school fundraisers. These efforts exemplify Nicole’s commitment to creating enriching and transformative educational experiences that leave a lasting impact on the school community.

Her active involvement in the SUNTEP culture committee and her leadership in weekly smudges further reflect Nicole’s dedication to cultural preservation. Despite the demands of commuting daily to her classes, Nicole maintained an outstanding academic record while making significant contributions to both the SUNTEP and school communities.

Nicole’s passion for revitalizing the Michif language, fostering student well-being, and creating transformative educational experiences makes her an outstanding role model for future educators. As she embarks on her teaching career in Saskatchewan, Nicole is poised to make a profound and lasting impact on her students and the broader community. Her exceptional contributions to education, culture and community make her a truly deserving recipient of the Exceptional Student Award.

Peter Olver is a student in the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP). He is a very gracious and humble gentleman, teacher candidate, husband and father of three children. Peter recognizes and values whole-heartedly what it means to mentor, support and guide young people to help them become the very best they can possibly be.

Peter is very proud and shares his cultural roots willingly and with expertise. He exemplifies integrity, humility and respect for all in every way always; his chivalry, kindness and quiet demeanor became the mantra within the SUNTEP Métis program and amongst his peers. Peter’s leadership skills have helped all his classmates understand the value of honesty, kindness and the valor of what it means not to judge others or project a boastful self-serving synergy.

Peter is an outstanding student with averages over the course of his four-year degree in the 90’s. As a first­year student, he wrote an outstanding English paper to which he received top grades for; the long-time English professor had not ever read such a brilliant piece of analytical writing from a first-year student before and although Peter created such a masterpiece in his understanding of the content delivered, one would have never known of this achievement due to his great humility.

Peter’s sensibility and ability to communicate and share his extraordinary care and respect for others is apparent in some of the many events and initiatives Peter and his classmates were involved in during his time in the SUNTEP program. An example includes when he drove up to the campus parking lot with his half-ton truck one sunny autumn day, to which he pulled out his family Hibachi barbeque and all the makings necessary for a hotdog and burger lunch. He invited all students and staff to enjoy some delicious hotdogs and hamburgers.

Peter supports other program students in the classroom, in the library and in the student lounge; he spreads his knowledge of the Métis culture in ways that promote a positive shine on Métis people. In one of the Michif courses, students are asked to showcase what it means to be Métis while implementing the Michif language. Peter took the project home and created an amazing smaller-scaled cart made from pine wood and spoke the Michif language quite remarkably as he shared his journey in creating the cultural piece. Peter spoke of the importance of the cart for Métis people and why it is integral to their cultural heritage. The production of the smaller-scale cart is now included in a dynamic lesson plan for use in K-12 schools.

Peter’s student teaching and extended practicum experiences were outstanding. The experiences highlighted Peter’s ability to create and develop amazing relationships with his students and laid a foundation for many great hands-on activities with his students to which his students greatly enjoyed and succeeded in.

Peter came into the SUNTEP program wanting to share his cultural values and shared how he wants to help make an impact for all students, particularly those who experience difference. Peter’s fatherly role and his gentle nature seeped through the program in many glorious ways and especially in the classroom. He is aware of the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs of his students and helped them explore their own identity and cultural needs. He instills in others a respectful guidance that helped students move beyond their comfort zones. Peter is certainly worthy of the Exceptional Student Award.

A respected leader within the LEADS organization and across the educational sector, Duane Hauk is well deserved for the LEADS Distinguished Service Award. He has dedicated over 29 years to education, including 15 years as a LEADS member and Director of Education in the Northwest School Division.

Duane has contributed significantly to the education sector and LEADS by serving on various leadership committees, including Zone Representative, Chair of Professional Relations, and Chair of the Directors’ group. In addition, he has served on provincial advisory groups addressing Covid-19, teacher contract negotiations, and violence in the classroom.

Duane’s personal and professional attributes make him a sought-after formal and informal mentor to many current Directors and Superintendents. As an engaged mentor, Duane listens attentively, provides coaching, and offers opinions and suggestions. It is well-regarded that when Duane shares his insights, others pay attention. His authenticity, strong relationships, and expansive knowledge make him a reliable resource for colleagues in his school division, LEADS and other sectors. His commitment to continuous improvement has earned him comprehensive understanding of contemporary topics in educational leadership, allowing him to support his team and mentees as a trusted confident.

Duane exemplifies a leadership style that fosters the development of diverse, inclusive, safe, and equitable learning environments for all students. During challenging periods, Duane remains composed, transparent, and professional, driven by his unwavering commitment to act in the best interest of all students. He consistently demonstrates the integrity and confidence necessary to advocate for what is right, prioritizing student learning and well-being in every decision.

Duane is a lifelong learner who leverages his professional knowledge to develop and implement initiatives aimed at enhancing the organization and its members. A notable example is the NWSD Livewell program, a legacy project designed to improve and support the mental health and well-being of all employees. This vision began over a decade ago when Duane attended a conference and was inspired to embark on a division-wide mental health and well-being journey. The Livewell Program has been presented on a national scale at the CASSA Leadership Conference and has evolved into a longstanding tradition in the Northwest School Division.

Finally, Duane emphasizes and reinforces the importance of establishing a collaborative, cohesive, and trustworthy senior leadership team. By skilfully recognizing, valuing, and leveraging the unique strengths of individuals, he has strategically built a diverse team of leaders who work together with relationships grounded in mutual respect and trust. He is known for reminding our leadership team that we are in this together, fostering every opportunity for comradery and collective support. In conclusion, Duane Hauk’s exemplary service and unwavering dedication to the educational sector and the LEADS organization make him a highly deserving candidate for the Distinguished Service Award. In addition to demonstrating the competencies and professional character many aspire to, Duane’s commitment to student-centred decision making, ongoing mentorship, and active, long-standing membership in LEADS set him apart as a distinguished leader.

Don Rempel is a dedicated educator with a career spanning over three decades, marked by significant collaboration within the Saskatchewan provincial education sector and beyond. Born and raised on a mixed farm near Nipawin, Saskatchewan, Don’s roots in rural life have deeply influenced his commitment to education and community.

Don began his teaching career in 1989 in Wapella, Saskatchewan, where he quickly developed a passion for education and leadership. Early in his career, he attended the first National Congress on Rural Education, where he was inspired by the stories of leadership and dedication shared by educators across Canada. This experience fueled his desire to make a meaningful impact in the field of education.

Don pursued graduate studies in education administration while working as a principal at Kincaid, Clavet, and White Fox schools. In 2000, he accepted the position of Assistant Director with the Nipawin School Division, marking the beginning of his central office career and membership in LEADS. This work took him to southeast Saskatchewan, where he was working with four school boards as the managing Director of Education, a humbling experience that led him to see the value of the impending amalgamation.

In 2006, Don was appointed the first CEO and Director of Education of the newly created South East Cornerstone School Division. In this role, he established effective governance, administrative, and operational policies and procedures, laying the groundwork for the division’s success. A few years after managing the amalgamation, Don had the opportunity to return to his home region as the Director of Education for the North East School Division, where he continued for thirteen years.

Don served on the executive of the Saskatchewan League of Educational Administrators, Directors and Superintendents (LEADS) from 2010 to 2017 including the roles of zone representative, president-elect, president, and a year as past president.  Throughout his tenure, he was fortunate to contribute to the organization’s mission of supporting educational leaders. Don was grateful for the opportunity to work with purpose alongside so many talented and passionate colleagues witnessing the development of the accreditation process and co-facilitating the module on educational finance. Don co-chaired the provincial Directors of Education Group and sat on numerous committees such as Education Capital Working Group and the Provincial Education Funding Model Review Committee.

A career highlight was working with the Education Ministry, Saskatchewan School Boards Association and Directors of Education to include First Nation and Métis education authorities in co-constructing the first Education Sector Strategic Plan for all education jurisdictions in Saskatchewan. Don participated in a knowledge exchange as a representative of Saskatchewan traveling to New Zealand in November 2013, where they studied the Te Kotahitanga program, which supports Māori students, bringing back valuable insights to inform local practices. As the owner of the First Nation and Métis Student Achievement Initiative (Following Their Voices), his efforts were influenced by the lessons learned from for effective implementation and scaling-up culturally responsive pedagogy and fostering partnerships to support FNMI student success. Don’s commitment to global and national educational excellence was further evident in his participation in the Education First planning delegation of Canadian educators to attend the Vimy Memorial Service in France on November 11, 2015.

In 2022, Don left the North East School Division and moved to Vancouver Island with his wife, Janet Foord. They enjoy an active community life, making many new friends and often hosting visits from family, friends, and acquaintances from their work, often reminiscing about their shared experiences in education. Don has maintained his role in education as the Education Jurisdiction Manager responsible for the development of education law and the implementation of education jurisdiction for Cowichan Tribes. In this capacity, he is proud to serve the Quw’utsun people, contribute to the education system in British Columbia, and support the positive changes occurring in First Nation self-governance. Throughout his career, Don Rempel has been a tireless advocate for equitable and high-quality education. His leadership in provincial and national organizations, his commitment to First Nation, Métis and Inuit student success, and his innovative approaches to educational policy and practice has left a lasting impact on Saskatchewan’s education system. His work with Cowichan Tribes continues to inspire governors, educators and administrators to strive for excellence and equity in education.