Hi! My name is Denise Barclay. I am of Scottish and Irish settler ancestry, born and raised in Mi’kma’ki territory (Halifax, NS) and have since also found home in Lheidli T’enneh territory (Prince George, BC). I have one sister, four brothers, seven nieces and nephews, and two amazing parents. I am a wife and a dog mom. My home will always by the water or preferably floating along the waves. I have a deep passion for learning and fostering learning amongst others through teaching, and I am highly energized by all there is to know about the world and vast interconnections to health and well-being.
I come to the teaching profession from a career in Indigenous health policy and public health research. I am fascinated by the idea of upstream thinking, that is, addressing the “cause of the cause” to health inequities – including largely, the social determinants of health (DOH) at micro, meso, and macro levels. Policy is an upstream approach to addressing health disparities, while teaching as an upstream approach to supporting children’s health and well-being. As I emerge from the research field, I am taking with me principles of health equity and Indigenous DOH, gleaned from collaborative research alongside First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and leaders. It is my goal to implement these principles and lessons into my teaching practice, and to continue on my life-long journey as an aspiring ally.
I’ve always dreamt of becoming a teacher. I am excited to engage with children’s wonder, motivate critical thinking, and encourage children to discover and follow their individual passions. On a sunny, warm, Friday afternoon with a class of rowdy children awaiting the weekend, I will be there because of the children’s contagious, authentic energy and zest for life. I will be there to witness the light in their eyes as they experience the world in various forms and inspire a learning journey to support the next generation of healthy and kind thought leaders.
