Exemplary Practices 2008

Childcare in the Far North

It isn't every childcare centre that teaches young children how to snare a rabbit. Not only how to snare the rabbit, but skin it, cook it and eat it in a communal meal shared with the Elders of the community.

But when a childcare centre is nestled in the far north, in Tulita, Northwest Territories as is the Sister Celeste Child Development Centre administered by Sister Celeste Goulet, this is an important part of the experience children are given. Tulita, meaning "where the rivers-waters meet", is a hamlet in the Sahtu Region of the Northwest Territories. It is located at the junction of the Great Bear River and the Mackenzie River. Even though the world is rapidly transforming around them and this is as true in the far north as it is anywhere, "We help each child adapt to a changing world while keeping their identity," says Sister Celeste. "We teach children how to learn rather than what to learn and encourage a democratic process that includes all members of the community. Each child has a voice and as part of the community, we help them respect the differences of others."

Sister Celeste, who is not Aboriginal, has lived and worked in Tulita for the past 29 years. She has become part of the rich fabric of the community. One outcome of her time in Tulita has been the creation of 15 picture books about the legends, stories and the Elders traditional way of life in the community. The books are being used in the region's preschool and elementary school cultural language classes that focus on the indigenous Slavey language. The books fit with her philosophy of teaching children to "love themselves" and in doing so, will begin to love learning. "I try to let each child take the lead in learning development. Although we guide, our teachers try to let the children discover."