Roy Fabian Award Announcement

SSDEC Recognizes Roy Fabian with the 2026 Partner in Education Award

The South Slave Divisional Education Council is pleased to recognize Elder and former Kátł’odeeche First Nation Chief Roy Fabian as the recipient of the 2026 Partner in Education Award.

The award recognizes an individual, organization or agency whose partnership strengthens education and supports the wellbeing of students across the South Slave.

Roy has become an important partner in the learning taking place at Chief Sunrise Education Centre, helping connect school learning with Dene language, culture, history, traditional knowledge and the land. His contributions have included cultural camps, land-based learning and opportunities for students to learn traditional skills, environmental stewardship, harvesting practices, Dene history, leadership and storytelling. 

His impact is also rooted in the relationships he builds with students. Roy creates learning spaces where young people feel valued, capable and connected. His patience, humour and encouragement have helped students build confidence and experience success in ways that may not always happen in a traditional classroom setting. 

Roy has also been a mentor to educators, sharing his knowledge of Dene ways of knowing and helping staff deepen their understanding of Indigenous pedagogy and community-based learning. His leadership has strengthened the relationship between Chief Sunrise Education Centre and the Kátł’odeeche First Nation and helped make community knowledge a meaningful part of school life. 

Congratulations, Roy, and thank you for your wisdom, mentorship and commitment to students, education and community.