Time flies, and when you look back at Rosie's career at Collège Nordique, you realize just how rich the past ten years have been, marked by unwavering commitment, meaningful projects and an influence that extends far beyond the walls of the Collège. 

Rosie has been there from the start. Her involvement has shaped not only the Language School, but also the Collège's development in terms of reconciliation, learning Indigenous language learning and strengthening ties with our neighbouring communities. Today, we'd like to shine the spotlight on ten contributions that have marked her time at the Collège.

1. Creating innovative educational resources

Passing on a language isn't just about teaching words; it's about offering concrete tools for learning and immersing oneself in a culture. Rosie has contributed to the creation of several resources that have become indispensable, including the textbooks Tłı̨chǫ Yatıı̀ eyıts'ǫ Dǫ Nàowoò, Rendez-vous nordiques and Meet Me Up North, which have paved the way for a better understanding of the linguistic realities of the North.

Patrick Arsenault, Executive Directorthe of Collège Nordique: “Rosie makes the Collège shine on a national scale with the scope of the initiatives she has put in place over the years. Thanks to her leadership and commitment, the Collège is better able to meet the needs of our communities. I would particularly like to highlight her work in creating teaching resources adapted to the realities of our learners.”

2. A leader in reconcili-action

From her presentations to the Réseau pour le développement de l'alphabétisme et des compétences (RESDAC) and the Réseau des cégeps et des collèges francophones du Canada (RCCFC) to her adoption of decolonizing educational practices - such as talking circles and the integration of oral traditions - she has inspired and influenced far beyond the Collège doors.

Jacynthia Rabesca, Manager of Language Revitalization in the Department of Culture and Lands Protection for the Tłı̨chǫ Governement : “Rosie wedzeè eteèɂı̨ xè hotıı nı̨wǫ (Rosie is kind-hearted and patient), I really enjoy working with her she has a passion for all languages including our language Tłı̨chǫ Yatı̀.”

3. A rise marked by leadership

Rosie started out as a French teacher. Today, she is Director of Education and Training, overseeing a team of eight. She has risen through the ranks with determination, taking on key roles and pushed the boundaries of what a Language School can achieve. And as if that weren't enough, she is pursuing a Master's degree in Indigenous Language Revitalization at the University of Victoria, proving that learning is a never-ending journey.

Aleksandar Kovacevic, President of Collège Nordique: “Bravo to Rosie for her extraordinary contributions over the past decade. Her contributions have helped build a solid foundation on which the Collège will continue to grow for many decades to come.”

4. A unique approach to teaching Indigenous languages

When Collège Nordique began teaching Tłı̨chǫ courses under Rosie's direction, she didn't speak the language. Rather than back down from the challenge, she collaborated with a Tłı̨chǫ speaker to build an ingenious approach to teaching. She also helped create a curriculum specifically designed for the remote Tłı̨chǫ communities of Whatì, Gamètì, and Wekweètì, overcoming the challenges of access to learning in lower-infrastructure areas.   

Angélique Ruzindana Umunyana, former president of Collège Nordique and a student in the Tłı̨chǫ classes: “Rosie, you weren't just my Tłı̨chǫ teacher – you breathed soul into every word, giving depth and resonance to every lesson. Your humility, kindness and unwavering commitment to reconciliation have made your teaching much more than simple language learning: a true transmission of knowledge, respect and human connections. With Georgina, you formed a luminous duo, bearers of history and hope, who guided us with wisdom and patience. Thanks to you both, we left enriched, transformed, not only as students, but also as newcomers to these lands, aware of the importance of learning, listening and honouring those who have always inhabited them. Mahsi Cho, Rosie, for your generosity and wisdom.”

5. Recognized as an exceptional teacher

Rosie’s dedication to her students does not go unnoticed. Awarded the Prix de l'Association québécoise de pédagogie collégiale (AQPC) and selected as an expert on the consultative committee for Mauril, a new free digital platform using the varied, stimulating and entertaining content of CBC and Radio-Canada as a source for learning French and English, Rosie embodies excellence in teaching. As such, she is part of a circle of renowned leaders across Canada. Between her on-the-land courses and her creative teaching methods, she has made the Collège a lively and dynamic place of learning. 

Lucero Hernandez, Collège Nordique alumnus and collaborator: “I would just like to say how lucky we are to have a colleague, teacher or friend like her. Congratulations on these 10 years with the CNF Rosie, you have made an impact on many people in the teaching and French-speaking world!”

6. Supporting healthcare professionals 

Aware of the language-related challenges in the healthcare field, Rosie set up a program specifically tailored to healthcare workers: twinning, and "Cafés de Paris" workshops designed to meet their unique linguistic needs. 

Natalia Pérez Pedraza, Senior Education and Training Coordinator, French and Spanish teacher: “Rosie's visionary spirit made the Rendez-vous nordiques : Santé et services sociaux 2023-2028 (Northern get-togethers: Health and social services 2023-2028) project a reality. She structured the various stages of the project and anticipated logistical needs. The project demonstrated several essential qualities, so we had the opportunity to receive funding from Société Santé en français. Rosie also mobilized an advisory committee and a work team to move the project forward and support language training for healthcare professionals in the NWT. She is always ready to adapt to changing needs and unforeseen circumstances.”

7. An innovative intergenerational twinning program

The New Horizons program, which she helped develop, creates a bridge between generations.  Elders learn digital skills, while Tłı̨chǫ students practice Indigenous languages. A unique project that builds relationships while breaking isolation.

Tammy Steinwand-Deschambeault, Director of Culture and Lands Protection for the Tłı̨chǫ Government: “Rosie is great to work with! She is committed, dedicated, inclusive and very respectful. She loves to see hard work leading to action and reality to help revitalize Tłı̨chǫ Yatı̀. Masi for all that you do Rosie and continue to do! Congratulations!”

8. A major expansion of the language testing center 

Since she took over management of the test center, the number of Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) exams and the Test d'évaluation de français (TEF) has increased considerably, facilitating the integration of newcomers and meeting a growing demand. Her work also contributed to a significant increase in enrolment of 649%, with the greatest impact coming from language courses, increasing the Collège's impact on the community. 

Josée Clermont, former Executive Director of Collège Nordique: “I had the privilege of working with Rosie for several years. In the beginning, although shy, thanks to her persistence, her desire to constantly improve, her great work ethic and her passion, Rosie became a pillar of the Collège. Having accompanied her in her first steps as a teacher, I'd say that today the student has surpassed the teacher. She has carried out a number of projects and contributed greatly to the reputation of Collège Nordique, such as the creation of French exams to measure the language skills of territorial government employees and has trained evaluators for these exams. Congratulations, Rosie, for all these accomplishments and for your exceptional leadership!”

9. National collaborations that strengthen education 

Thanks to her work, links between Northern territories have been strengthened. She played a key role in the harmonization of language courses with Nunavut and the implementation of the pan-territorial Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (CLIC) project, enabling greater coherence in the provision of French-language training. What's more, her leadership has helped to raise the profile of Collège Nordique beyond the three territories.

Julie Gagné, Director of the Observatoire sur la réussite en enseignement supérieur de l’Université du Québec (ORES) “Rosie makes Collège Nordique shine on the national stage by sharing best practices related to truth and reconciliation. I look forward to our future collaborations.”

10. A team culture enriched by her kind-heartedness 

In addition to her many educational initiatives, Rosie has also played a key role in the overall work environment. Whether through discussions on the organization of work and activities for the students and local community, recommendations for better teacher recognition or her involvement in internal committees, she has always worked for the well-being of her team. 

Audrey Fournier, Executive Director of the Fédération franco-ténoise (FFT) and Rosie's former colleague: “I have fond memories of my first months in Yellowknife with Rosie at the Collège nordique francophone. The Collège was very small at the time and there were only three of us in the office. Rosie was a real ray of sunshine, incredibly kind, always helping out and thinking of ways to make her learners' time enjoyable and constructive. She has an unparalleled rigor, but constantly works in a fun way, with a concern for humanizing language learning and anchoring it in our daily lives and connecting with the community. The French-speaking community is extremely fortunate to have her as an ambassador. The entire Fédération franco-ténoise team would like to highlight her exceptional work in promoting the French language, but also in building essential bridges between the different linguistic communities that inhabit, energize and beautify our territory.”  

Thank you, Rosie! 

Ten years of commitment, innovation and passion. Today, we just wanted to say: thank you, Rosie, for all you've accomplished and all you continue to bring to the Collège and the community.

Cảm ơn, merci, thank you, masì cho