Ceremony recognizes new education grads
Valerie Barnes Connell Jordan
Northern Advocate
The northern Saskatchewan Indigenous Teacher Education Program hosted its third annual graduation since its inception on Friday, May 23 at the JRMCC.
Program head Morris Cook and faculty member Julius Park welcomed grads and guests.
Another faculty member, Julie Andrews, hosted the entry of the grads. Each of the grads received a Métis sash.
Elders Vince Ahenakew and Abel Charles offered prayers for the grads and Iron Eagle offered an Honour Song.
Greetings and congratulations were also given by: Brett Vandale, president and CEO of the Gabriel Dumont Institute; Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, Lac the Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB); and James Nahahewski, Dean of education, university of Regina.
Cook, while congratulating the grads, also offered a bit of history on the program. NSITEP is a partnership between LLRIB, the Gabriel Dumont Institute and the University of Regina.
Educator and writer Nancy Lafleur presented the Strength and Perseverance Skirt and Scholarship Award, which she created to honour graduates for their deep commitment to becoming an educator, while battling many challenges through their four years as a student. This year’s recipient was Miranda Tammy Louise Ratt.
Each grad received the University of Regina Recognition of Completion for their degrees. They will receive their Bachelor of Education Degrees at the University of Regina‘s convocation later this spring.
The ceremony ended with presentation of gifts to the grads and dinner.
The Grads are: Ramona Caisse, Distinction; Charlie Cook, Great Distinction; Camelita Couillonneur, Distinction; Betty Durocher; Rebecca Green, Great Distinction; Noreen Maurice, Distinction; Katherine Mirasty, Distinction; Amanda Misponas, Distinction; Joanne Morin; Miranda Ratt, Distinction; Samantha Ratt; Theresa Roberts; and Troy Young.
