PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARDS' ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
PSBAA recognizes Indigenous School Liaison Dani Moore with annual Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action award

The Public School Boards' Association of Alberta (PSBAA) is honoured to recognize Dani Moore, Indigenous School Liaison for Cold Lake First Nations, with the Promoting and Advancing Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action as it relates to Education in Alberta Award. "I'm not the only one who opened the school doors to these important relationships with Cold Lake First Nations, the community did too," says Moore. "It's been incredible to see the acceptance of the students to take part in Indigenous education opportunities. My mother is a Survivor of residential schools and she broke the cycle -- and I continue to break the cycle myself. I'll keep advocating for those who can't speak about it."

Left to Right: Troy Tait, PSBAA Chief Executive Officer; Karen Packard, Board Chair at Northern Lights Public Schools; Dani Moore, Indigenous School Liaison for Cold Lake First Nations; and Lorraine Stewart, PSBAA President.

Moore received the award for her significant contributions to Truth and Reconciliation within the context of public school education. The Award is given to individuals or organizations that engage in promoting and advancing one or more of the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in relation to education within Alberta.

Karen Packard, Board Chair at Northern Lights Public Schools, nominated Moore for her work with schools throughout the Division. "Dani works closely with the staff at Cold Lake Elementary School, Cold Lake Junior High, Cold Lake High School, North Star Elementary School and Nelson Heights Middle School to provide authentic, meaningful cultural opportunities for both students and staff. The opportunities she has provided have deeply impacted staff and student understanding of Indigenous cultures, enriched curriculum, and nurtured empathy, respect and a stronger sense of community within our schools."

Moore has built intercultural capacity through experiential learning. "Dani has achieved this by providing land-based learning opportunities for students. Over the last few years, hundreds of students have visited the fish camp at Muskego Beach, and many have learned about furs, tanning hides, birch bark basket making and identifying medicinal plants."

Moore also brings Indigenous education into the classroom. "In addition to land- based learning, Dani provides and organizes opportunities for students to learn hands-on in their classrooms. This includes making fish scale art, concho belts, ribbon skirts, drums, beading and moose hair tufting. Many of these workshops are provided by local Indigenous artists, further enhancing connections between the school and community."

Moore has also built important relationships with Elders and Knowledge Keepers. "Elders and Knowledge Keepers regularly participate in the educational workshops that Dani organizes for students, and many have become regular visitors to schools, becoming valued members of the school community."

Board Chair Packard is grateful to Moore for her impact on Northern Lights schools. "Dani Moore has helped move the Cold Lake school community toward a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture and history. Her presence is both grounding and inspiring, reminding everyone that Reconciliation begins with relationships, and education is a powerful tool for healing and connection. Thanks to her continued efforts with connecting our students and staff with Cold Lake First Nations, our schools have become a place where Indigenous students feel seen, heard and supported, and where non-Indigenous students have opportunities to learn about First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures."

The PSBAA held its annual awards evening at its Spring General Assembly in Calgary on May 30. A total of four awards were presented. To learn more about the Association and the outstanding achievements of its members, visit the PSBAA website.