Madam Speaker, it is an honour today to rise and recognize a teacher from Meadow Lake's Carpenter High School, Derek Eftoda. Derek recently was named as a Guiding the Journey national award winner by Indspire, a charity that invests in the education of first nations, Inuit and Métis students.
Mr. Eftoda is known as a teacher who builds authentic relationships with all his students and creates an environment in his classroom of mutual respect. As an avid storyteller, Mr. Eftoda's tale of fighting off a bear from inside his tent or his close encounter with a cougar on his acreage are just two of the many stories that have become legendary among his students.
As the only non-indigenous teacher to win this award, Mr. Eftoda understands that reconciliation is accomplished through actions of respect and finding a positive path forward. He is an example for all of us to follow.
I ask all members to join me today in recognizing Mr. Eftoda.