For David Watkins, a high school teacher with a national reputation, the past becomes most powerful when students recognise themselves within it. Watkins, who teaches Canadian history, has earned wide recognition for an approach that resonates strongly with African Canadian students. His work was honoured in 2007 with the Governor General’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History. Rather than presenting history as something finished and remote, Watkins connects it directly to identity and self perception. Watkins said students have returned to tell him that classroom discussions influenced how they handled conflict and personal goals.