Conclusion
My Heart and Spirit go out to Aboriginal literacy practitioners. They see beyond cognitive outcomes. They help Learners to recognize their “gifts,” only one of which is the ability to read and write in English. They go that extra mile to provide an atmosphere that makes space for the Learners to grow as a whole person. Each and every day, they make a difference in someone’s life.

On October 24th, the NADC and I presented a Position Paper on Aboriginal Literacy to Senator Thelma Chalifoux, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples. I invite you to share with me your most effective interaction with the Learners, to consider what made it effective. I’m positive that, in the process, you engaged Heart and Spirit – both yours and that of the Learner.

I started out my talk acknowledging many people. I would now like to acknowledge the Spirit World. Life took on a different tone for me when I learned to put my trust in Creator to guide and direct my work, my life. It’s a privilege to walk with Creator and with all of you on this sacred journey.

Gichi Miigwech!

References

Auger, Denys, Elder, Bigstone Cree First Nation, Wabasca-Demerais, Alberta. Written Communication to Ningwakwe, NADC Meeting, June 2002, Toronto, Ontario.

Braden, Gregg. Walking Between the Worlds, The Science of Compassion. Bellevue, WA: Radio Bookstore Press, 1997.

Brant Castellano, Marlene, Lynne Davis, and, Louise Lahache, eds. Aboriginal Education: Fulfilling the Promise. Vancouver: UBC Press, 2000.