Leanne Gailey has been the principal of Ducharme Elementary School since 2016. (YWCA Women of Distinction)

By Derek Cornet

milestone

La Loche principal receives provincial Saskatchewan Spirit award

Oct 21, 2020 | 4:15 PM

The principal of Ducharme Elementary School in La Loche is the recipient of a prestigious YWCA 2020 Women of Distinction award.

Leanne Gailey learned she was the winner of the Saskatchewan Spirit award Friday night when it was announced during a ceremony broadcasted online across the province. The Saskatchewan Spirit award recognizes a woman who has inspired many, broke new ground or old barriers, and contributed outside of Saskatoon to the life of the province in professional or volunteer leadership.

Gailey was surrounded by her family when she was declared the recipient.

“It was just a shocking moment and I was just very honoured,” she said. “I’m still in shock and I’m incredibly honoured that I was even nominated. Being able to actually win the award was definitely a huge highlight.”

Gailey, 33, is an Indigenous educator who calls La Loche home. She’s been the principal of Ducharme Elementary School since 2016 and a teacher since 2010. Gailey is known as a strong advocate for education in her community, and she endeavours to create an inclusive and culturally-relevant educational experience for students.

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Gailey believes she received the award because she’s a person who puts her community first, as well as for all her work serving students.

“It’s a very prestigious award, and just being in the category of Saskatchewan Spirit and how all of women of Saskatchewan were eligible for this nomination,” she said. “It’s definitely a huge, prestigious award and I am at a loss for words.”

Gailey requested her acceptance speech to be published in this article.

“First, I would like to thank YWCA Saskatoon, Women of Distinction Awards Committee, Nutrien and NexGen for this remarkable recognition. Thank you to the women nominated for the Saskatchewan Spirit Award and for being an inspiration to others. I would like to thank those who nominated me for such a prestigious award. Women have powerful voices to embrace growth. I am honoured to have been recognized as one of those voices. I share this award with my home community of La Loche, the people and especially the children who I believe in and who I serve daily. I want to thank my partner Karmen, my parents Doug and Celine, my family and friends for always being such an influential support system … I love you, merci cho.”

Gailey also wanted to send a message to the women of the North that they are beautiful, strong and capable of anything. She encourages them to set a goal and work towards it. Gailey added hard work pays off and women can be powerful individuals with strong voices to advocate for positive growth in northern communities.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno