Role models reach out to students

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The Calgary Board of Education's launch of its Aboriginal Role Model Directory in early January marked both a beginning and an end. It was the completion of four years of work compiling a directory that highlights the accomplishments of 60 Aboriginal men and women from a variety of fields and professions. But, more importantly, perhaps, it also marked the beginning of an ongoing project to expand and update the directory annually.

The directory is a joint effort between the Calgary Board of Education (CBE), Heritage Canada, Telus, and the United Way. It will initially be distributed to Calgary schools and is designed to help teachers and students.

"The directory will be valuable to me as well as other teachers and administrators," Irene LaPierre said. LaPierre is the Aboriginal education specialist with the CBE, and she added that the directory answers a real need. "Teachers often call me to ask if I can find someone to come into their classroom and talk to the students. Now they can just consult this directory."

Each entry in the directory includes a resume of the role model, a brief survey of his or her values and beliefs, and contact information. The range of interests and activities of those included in the directory is designed to relate to all grade levels as well as to various aspects of the curriculum. Role models are involved in a broad spectrum of professional pursuits including law, entertainment, the oil and gas industry, and social work.

The project started some four years ago under the direction of LaPierre's predecessor as Aboriginal education specialist at the CBE, Doreen L'Hirondelle. L'Hirondelle left the CBE to become principal at an Edmonton school, but her contribution to the project was acknowledged by those who followed her.

Among these people was Elsie Wuttunee, who joined the project last May as a consultant. "Elsie was the perfect choice because she is well known in the community and has lots of contacts" LaPierre said.

Wuttunee saw the importance of the directory immediately. "It is a valuable tool because it is a necessity for youth to see Aboriginal people in various positions of responsibility," she noted. She assembled a five-member committee and began the process of selecting the role models to be included in the directory.

Wuttunee quickly discovered an abundance of both candidates and enthusiasm for the project. "When I asked people if they would like to be in the directory, their reaction, for the most part, was 'Absolutely, I would love to go into schools and talk to children.'"

Stephane Wuttunee is one of the role models included in the directory. Besides being Elsie's nephew, he is an author and outdoor adventurer who last summer led a canoe trip from Edmonton to Quebec City. The 31-year-old's reaction when asked if he wanted to be included in the directory was fairly typical of those who participated. "I was behind it 110 per cent," he said. "I love talking to the kids and I get a lot out of it myself. Youth today face a real obstacle course, it's tougher than it was in my day."

The CBE hopes to have a Web site running by the spring that will provide an easy means of updating the directory and expanding its reach. LaPierre is looking forward to these developments but she is also indulging a sense of accomplishment. "These role models are now available to go into classrooms and that is valuable for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students alike."