Jeff Monague, a local Elder, is known for sharing his knowledge of the Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) language with students in the Simcoe County area for many years.
He began teaching the language in 2000 with the Simcoe County District School Board, before moving on to teaching evening classes at Georgian College.
This led to a full time position with Georgian College and Monague continuing to teach for the next 14 years.
“I’m passionate about what I do because I understand the importance of language. Language is culture and culture is language. They are inseparable,” Monague shared. “It’s important for an Ojibwe kid to learn the language so they learn about who they are.”
Three of Monague’s former students have gone on to become teachers of the language themselves.
During his time with the Simcoe County District School Board, he would take students on trips outside of the classroom and into nature as a part of his lessons.
“I needed them to be in nature and show them how connected we are, because that’s part of the language, too,” Monague said. “The principals didn’t understand it at first, but when they came with me they understood.”
His interactive and unique teaching style made Monague stand out as an educator, with his significant impact making him an ideal recipient of this year’s Community Builders Award in the Education category.
“I’m glad that this happened,” Monague said when he was told the news. “Winning awards is not something I strive for so it’s a surprise when something like this happens.”
But Monague’s community impact only started with his work as an educator.
He is also a former chief of the Beausoleil First Nation on Christian Island, a former treaty research director with the Anishnabek (Union of Ontario Indians), a Canadian Forces veteran, a musician and a singer.
Recently, he voiced the part of “Grand Moff Tarkin” in the new Ojibwe version of the movie Star Wars (Anangong Miigaading): A New Hope.
“We recorded with Disney in Winnipeg, so it was pretty cool to be a part of that,” Monague said. “I’ve done voice work before for cartoons and children’s books but never in my own language. It was nice to be able to do that.”
“It’s going to be a good thing for young people to learn the language in a fun way - by watching Star Wars,” he said.
The Education award goes to a student, teacher, administrator, or education advocate (i.e. parent) who has made a difference in the city of Barrie. It could be an extraordinary teacher who has changed the direction of students’ lives, an administrator who established a specialized program, or an advocate who helped implement lasting positive change in our local schools.
Congratulations, Jeff!
This award is proudly sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Barrie.
