NWT Education Hall of Fame adds five new inductees for 2024

September 18, 2025

This year, the NWT Education Hall of Fame will add five inductees to its class of 2024. The Hall of Fame honours the passion and dedication of Northerners who have left their mark on the territory’s education system. This year’s inductees have spent their careers embracing this spirit.

Their contributions have made a difference in the following ways:

• creating safe and inclusive learning environments,
• empowering community members,
• building a strong sense of community, and
• promoting and integrating Indigenous languages, cultures and worldviews into classrooms.

The inductees have made a lasting impact on the territory’s education system. Their contributions will continue to inspire students, colleagues, and communities for years to come.

The 2024 inductees are:

• Dianne Lafferty – Community Outreach Award
  With over 25 years of education experience, Dianne improved student success at Chief Jimmy Bruneau School, where she is currently the principal. She made sure classrooms in the school embraced the Tłı̨chǫ identity, culture and language.
• Patricia Davison – Early Childhood Education Award
  As the Executive Director of the Children First Society in Inuvik, Patricia created several initiatives that contributed to the well-being of the community, including programs focused on infants and toddlers, preschool children, nutrition and safety, and community outreach.
• Heath Israel – JK-12 Education Award
  A lifelong math teacher, Heath understood that his job was not static and made sure he stayed on top of the latest teaching methods. He ensured his classroom was a safe space and was always respectful of his students’ individual traits.
• David Murphy – Leadership in Education Award
  David put students at the forefront of his teaching during his 35-year career in education. No matter the challenges they faced in their life, students were always safe in his classroom, and he made sure their voices were heard.
• Denise McDonald – Minister’s Choice Award
  A passionate advocate, Denise continually promoted culture-based education and wellness support for her students. Many consider her a trailbreaker for culture-based initiatives, and her relationships with elders contributed to creating stronger relationships between the school system and Beaufort Delta communities.

To read the inductees’ full biographies, visit: https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/sites/ece/files/resources/2024_ehof_-_inductees_0.pdf

Quote:

“Congratulations to the NWT Education Hall of Fame 2024 inductees! Today, we celebrate five remarkable individuals. Their dedication and passion for education have genuinely made a difference in the territory. Their commitment to enriching our schools and empowering students and communities shows the incredible impact dedicated educators can have. Educators like this year’s inductees make a difference in our kids’ lives and play such an important role in their future successes. We are grateful for their inspiring work and are proud to honor their contributions, which are sure to inspire Northerners for many years to come.”

– Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

Quick facts

• The Government of the Northwest Territories launched the Education Hall of Fame in 2010 to recognize that we all play an important role in supporting the education of children.
• More than 90 individuals and organizations have been inducted into the NWT Education Hall of Fame since 2010.

Related Links:

• https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/en/services/past-education-hall-fame-inductees

For media requests, please contact:
ECE Public Affairs and Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
ecepublicaffairs@gov.nt.ca

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