Harper honours local teacher for her contributions

Prime Minister Stephen Harper
News Release

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OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper today presented Muriel Sawyer of Nbisiing Secondary School, in North Bay, Ontario, with a 2009 Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence. The Award was presented at a ceremony in Ottawa marking the celebration of World Teachers’ Day.

“A good teacher inspires a thirst for learning that lasts a lifetime,” said Prime Minister Harper. “The outstanding teachers honoured today are an inspiration to us all. They play an invaluable role in our children’s development and in the future success of our country.”

This year, the Prime Minister presented 84 awards to educators from across Canada, including Certificates of Excellence and Certificates of Achievement for teaching excellence at all grade levels, from preschool through to secondary school. All recipients have been recognized by parents and fellow educators as innovative leaders who have helped students excel.

Muriel Sawyer was honoured today for her use of imaginative techniques to teach a dialect of the Ojibwe language to a new generation of students so that they become living examples of the Ojibwe culture. She encourages them to discover, through the Internet and Aboriginal television, how the Ojibwe language is used today, as well as to find other examples of living Ojibwe culture. Ms. Sawyer is one of a thin line of defenders of the Nipissing dialect of Ojibwe and is recognized as a “Language Keeper” for the community, something which is both an honour and a serious responsibility.

“As a parent, I know the difference an outstanding teacher can make in a child’s life,” said the Prime Minister. “As Prime Minister, I am grateful for the contributions of all Canadian teachers, and especially this year’s Prime Minister’s Award recipients, whose dedication and skills are enriching the lives of young Canadians across the country.”

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