Continuing with our review of the year for the Horizon School Division, Director Kevin Garinger reflects on the continuing work in schools’ efforts toward Truth and Reconciliation. The Division has been an undeniable leader in its communities when it comes to affording public access to learning about the history and challenges of Indigenous people.  

“Until we get to a place where there is parity for Indigenous and non-indigenous children, I think we'll always be on this path, and it will take a long time to get there,” Garinger said. “It's about the journey, and we're very grateful that we have a team of people who are supporting it. We have enhanced that team this year, and it's been really great to have them out in the schools meeting the needs of our students and staff.”  

The focus has been on Indigenous ways of knowing and history, understanding Treaties in a better way given that we are all Treaty People. One Horizon’s superintendents and a coaching staff member travelled to the National Conference for Indigenous Education in Montreal where they presented to the attendees.  

Attached to that work is the division’s adoption of a “Leading to Learn” philosophy designed to result in  an anti-oppressive and anti-discrimination approach to instruction and programming. Work on cultural identity across age groups encourages growth and awareness to help support not only students and staff members in an emerging way of engaging all people. This work will be presented in December through the Indigenous Council of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association.  

“Horizon is unique because we have 4 indigenous trustees in the largest board in the province. We have trustees that are elected to represent subdivisions that are specifically first Nation authorities. It certainly brings great diversity and great strength to our board table.” 

Garinger noted that the Pre-K education programs have expanded in the last year in the division. The idea is to boost learning potential for youngsters ahead of their school entrance. The expansion is delivered at no additional cost to what the government provides for existing Pre-K resources.  

“We’re trying to give those little people a little boost when they’re under 5 years of age. That has been an important and necessary piece that we’re working on to try to enhance learning early on when we don’t have to funds to essentially start our own program.” 

Garinger also talked about the Division being the accountability partner for the Humboldt Early Years Family Resource Centre in supporting the important work they do. 

“I know. in this community lots of people talk very positively about that resource center and what it can do in terms of supporting families. It gives them opportunities for play-based learning that is structured and helps them in their growth. It also helps parents around some of the areas they may find beneficial to them.” 

(Check out Discover Humboldt’s Year in Review article on the Humboldt Early Years Family Resource Centre.) 

Garinger spoke fondly of longtime board member and chair Jim Hack who passed away in July, and he noted the focus on keeping the work of the board continuing in the face of that loss. 

“He was a dear friend to all and certainly was a passionate leader, and passionate about supporting the needs of all learners. He’s certainly deeply missed around the board table, but the board has had an election, and we have a new trustee who has come in, which is great.” 

Long time vice-chair Linda Mattock now serves as board chair, and Mark Fedak has taken on the role of vice-chair. 

The work of the Division will continue in the new year with an eye to new opportunities that are in the works and those that are just over the proverbial horizon.  With school enrollment sitting just north of 6,500 students, one of the largest counts the Division has seen, Garinger, the board and staff throughout the division look to continue the work with the province’s most precious resource – our children.