​Buchanan Principal Mrs. Hoch (pictured on the left) earns a special recognition at the 13th annual Aboriginal Circle of Educators (ACE) Awards. The banquet was held on February 15 inside the Best Western Plus Airport Hotel in conjunction with the 16th Annual ACE conference.

Mrs. Hoch received the Honouring Our Allies award, presented to individuals who are non-Indigenous but demonstrate a commitment to promoting Indigenous Education initiatives. 

   “It is an honour to receive this Award from the ACE Committee,” shared Mrs. Hoch. “The award truly belongs to the team at Buchanan as well as the elders and Indigenous educators who have supported our journey towards Reconciliation.”

Mrs. Hoch is a leader and advocate for Indigenous Education for teachers and students at Buchanan School.

“She has encouraged numerous grants and ideas that the Indigenous Education Committee has formulated into school-wide projects,” shared school counsellor Mrs. Warrenchuk. 

Mrs. Hoch continually invites staff to explore professional learning opportunities to become more educated and comfortable teaching Indigenous perspectives in their classrooms. She also invites guest speakers to the school on a regular basis to discuss various topics, including residential schools and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, with both students and staff.

The Indigenous Education Committee says she has helped create an atmosphere that celebrates First Nations Peoples and is welcoming to all students, parents and community members within Buchanan School. Congratulations to Mrs. Hoch on being a leading in this area at Buchanan School, in our Division and in our province.