Dr. Ruth Beatty’s Indigenous Mathematics Research Contributes to Accepting Schools Award

Dr. Ruth Beatty, Acting Chair of Orillia Educational Programs, has been conducting mathematics research for several years in schools in southern and eastern Ontario. 

Working in conjunction with the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and the Ministry of Education, her recent research project, “The Mathematics of Algonquin Looming,” explores how to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into the Ontario math curriculum.

One of the schools where her research was conducted, Eganville and District Public School, has recently been named as a recipient of the Premier's Accepting Schools Award.

This award “recognizes teams across the province that have done exceptional and innovative work in creating a safe, inclusive and accepting school environment,” as outlined on the Ministry of Education website.

As part of Dr. Beatty’s research, students conducted traditional Algonquin activities such as beading, which helped them to learn about patterning, algebra, fractions, and geometry.

Congratulations Dr. Beatty for this achievement, which shows how faculty research can have a significant impact.