Sheldon Wuttunee: Teaching culture in the classroom

Sheldon Wuttunee is a member of Red Pheasant First Nation and an educator on Mosquito First Nation. He splits his time between teaching students who have behaviour and learning challenges and teaching First Nations culture, which is combined with native studies and social studies. The culture component features teachings about dancing, storytelling, singing and other traditions such as how to serve at feasts.

His decision to become an educator was based on his own positive experiences in school. During his school years, he also saw a lack of exposure to First Nations culture and content, and believed that as an educator, he could advocate change. "I think it's taken for granted that our cultural traditions are taught in the home when a lot of cases it isn't," says Sheldon. "Exposing kids to our traditional teachings will help them to form their identity, and when they become teens, they'll be able to make more positive decisions. I think it will help them feel proud to be First Nations and give them more confidence to speak up for themselves. I think it's important to instill those values into young people."

Sheldon sees the difference he is making in his students' lives, which is the biggest reward in his career. "I work with students who face more learning challenges than other students either because of behaviour or learning disabilities. Often these students haven't learned to read at an acceptable level for their age, for any number of reasons. Over time, they've improved to the point where they ask to take home books. I've had parents thank me for not giving up on their children. These moments make the job worthwhile."

Sheldon went to school in North Battleford and Saskatoon. He graduated high school and went on to earn a Bachelors Degree in Education from the Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP) at the University of Saskatchewan. He is also working towards his Masters of Education Degree, focusing on the development of First Nations Language Immersion Education Programs. "I think it is very important to revitalize First Nations languages," says Sheldon. "We are all responsible for keeping our traditions strong, and that includes the survival of our languages. Languages are the foundations of our people; languages are fundamental to our ceremonies. It's every First Nations person's responsibility to take the initiative and learn their own language."

Education is important to Sheldon, and he encourages youth to stay in school, pursue a career goal and lead a healthy, balanced life. "Find a balance between traditional teachings and the formal, mainstream education that school teaches. Surround yourself with people who will enable you to make healthy choices for yourself. Talk to and spend time with Elders, peers and family, and respect your parents. It is difficult for kids today with outside factors such as alcohol, drugs and gangs, but each person is able to make their own choices in life."

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