Michele Schwab wanted her students to make better connections with local Indigenous elders and knowledge keepers. 

The Balcarres, Sask., teacher made this the focus in her classroom.

Now she's won a Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Teaching.

The citation for the award says her novel teaching techniques, "strengthened intergenerational bonds and reflected the unique and diverse strengths and backgrounds of the students involved."

The prize, administered by Canada's National History…