We are proud to announce that Ms. Charlene Smoke, a Grade 5 teacher, Co-Chair of the Indigenous Education Committee, and valued member of the Meadowridge community, has received the prestigious Guiding the Journey: Indigenous Educator Award.
As a member of Alderville First Nation, Charlene’s passion for Indigenous education and leadership is unparalleled. With a Master’s in Educational Leadership and over a decade of teaching experience, Charlene inspires her students by weaving truth, reconciliation, and Indigenous knowledge into her lessons. Beyond the classroom, Charlene actively supports Indigenous culture through her business, Indigenous Kanata, which promotes art and artists from Turtle Island. Her work bridges the gap between tradition and modern education, fostering meaningful connections with Indigenous history.
Guiding the Journey recognizes educators like Charlene who have impacted community-based education and upheld Indigenous knowledge principles. Award recipients are honoured at the ceremony in Winnipeg, MB, where Indspire President and CEO Mike DeGagné is currently recognizing Ms. Smoke for her achievements.
Please join us in celebrating Ms. Smoke’s remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to truth, reconciliation, and education.