Betty-Ann Durocher left university 20 years ago to raise her three children. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

recognition

NSITEP student receives Order of Gabriel Dumont Bronze Medal

May 8, 2024 | 5:00 PM

Pinehouse Lake’s Betty-Ann Durocher is the recipient of the prestigious Order of Gabriel Dumont Bronze Medal.

The award, introduced in 2010, recognizes Gabriel Dumont Institute students who have distinguished themselves through leadership, community service, cultural initiatives, and academic performance. Durocher is one of eight students to receive the award this year.

“I was excited, I was nervous,” she said.

“I never thought I would get an opportunity for recognition for going back to university. I was basically just excited.”

Durocher, a Métis citizen, is going into her fourth year at the Northern Saskatchewan Indigenous Teacher Education Program (NSITEP) on-reserve near Air Ronge. She will be doing her internship at La Ronge’s Pre-Cam Community School in the fall in the Cree immersion program. As a fluent Cree speaker, Durocher noted she is happy to have that opportunity.

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Durocher called her time at the NSITEP a rewarding experience. She added she’s been able to build friendships with fellow students and faculty members.

As chief of the student representative council, she advocates tirelessly for her peers, striving to create a better educational experience for all.

“We make decisions like calling up the other board members,” Durocher said.

“We try and set up some activities for the school like doing a school barbecue, a year-end barbecue and setting up a fish derby. Just little things like that, so people aren’t lonely for back home. It’s about trying to keep them busy besides always doing homework. For our third year, we do a lot of fundraising, so I kind of champion that as well for our graduation.”

After graduation, Durocher plans to gain experience at another school. She hopes one day to return to her home community to teach her own people.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com