Susannah Remillard

Remillard’s innovative teaching program, "Creating Earthkeepers and Changemakers at NRMS," is designed to teach students about the history of the land while instilling a sense of wonder and responsibility for the environment. Using the lens of Traditional Indigenous Ecological Knowledge, students are immersed in learning that allows them to see the Earth as an interwoven system upon which everyone relies. This new vision for place-based learning breaks down the notion of commodification that has led to reported systemic environmental degradation and ecosystem destruction. Remillard says getting the Voya Unsung Heroes grant will help take the project and student learning to the next level. The Voya grant funds will be used to work directly with Indigenous Wampanoag scholars and teachers in the area whose authentic voices will help create new teaching materials and spaces. Throughout the first program year, Remillard has identified resources to deepen learning, including new outdoor spaces, books, trips and cooking materials.