As winner of the Premier's Award for Teacher of the Year award in 2008, Nathan Tidridge is something of an expert on the transformative effect a good educator can have on students.
The popular and respected history teacher at Waterdown District High School says that his time in the Religion & Culture and History departments at Laurier helped him develop his mind and voice.
“When I am teaching, or writing, it is often the voices of my extraordinary professors that can be heard. Professors Peter Erb and Susan Scott, especially, made huge impacts on my life. I remember my time in the Religion and Culture, as well as History, Departments as very important parts of my academic life – they helped me develop my mind and voice,” says Nathan.
Today, Nathan says he pulls his inspiration from his students – “they are the prime movers in my career.”
But he’s not content to just be one of the best teachers in the province. Nathan has used his spare time to pen four books about Canadian history and culture in Canada. In 2012 he was one of six Ontarians presented with a Diamond Jubilee Medal by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales for exemplifying Her Majesty’s 21st birthday pledge “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service.”
“I am interested in how Canada is developing as a country – particularly around the role of the Crown in our democracy and the important issue of Reconciliation,” he says.
The Queen at the Council Fire, Nathan’s fourth book, published in 2015, examines the Treaty of Niagara – an agreement from 1764 between the Crown and Indigenous peoples. His book explores how the Crown in Canada (The Queen and her Canadian Representatives) are helping the country along the path to reconciliation. The book concludes with concrete steps that would enhance the Crown's role in restoring Treaty relationships.
Launched at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, curator Armando Perla said The Queen at the Council Fire is “a must read for all Canadians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous.”
“These are exciting times for our country – particularly concerning the development of our democracy. I feel very lucky to be contributing to that in some small way,” says Nathan.
“Pick something you love and you can’t go wrong,” says Nathan when asked to offer career advice. “Remember that universities are supposed to exist to challenge conventions and nurture a love of learning. If you aren’t using your time at university to explore the world around you, it’s wasted time I’m afraid.”