Kate Powell, the principal of Deninu School in Fort Resolution, passed away on Aug. 17 after a battle with cancer.
She was 44.
Powell, who was originally from the United Kingdom, worked at Deninu School for over nine years, first as a literacy coach and then as principal.
Earlier this year, she was recognized as one of Canada's outstanding principals for her innovative practices and effective leadership.
Curtis Brown, the superintendent of the South Slave Divisional Education Council, delivered the eulogy at the funeral service for Powell on Aug. 20 in Fort Resolution.
"Much-loved and respected by all, Kate was very giving, loving, kind, while extremely effective and feisty when it came to advocating for her students, staff and school," said Brown.
The superintendent said Powell always wanted the best for the students at Deninu School and instilled local culture and language into the school by hosting hand games tournaments, creating the Dene Peacekeepers, adopting Dene Laws and sharing circles, and requiring staff to learn and use Chipewyan greetings.
Brown said Powell was proud to be part of Fort Resolution and looked for opportunities to celebrate the school and community.
"When Kate was informed that she had terminal cancer, she decided she wanted to stay here and that she wanted to be buried here," he noted. "She also embraced and stayed committed to traditional medicines that were recommended by community members. I think this is remarkable – prim and proper British girl, fashion conscious, highly educated, extremely accomplished, one of the best principals in Canada, could live and principal anywhere she wanted – yet she loved Fort Res and its people from a different culture, choosing this as her true home, her family, and her final resting place."