SIFC celebrates student achievement

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On April 25, the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC) held an honoring circle to celebrate the success of its students and recognize the contributions of organizations that provided more than $30,000 in donations and scholarships.

The awards ceremony and reception were held at the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts in Regina and honored 20 students for their academic accomplishments.

Christine Watson, an English professor at SIFC, was master of ceremonies for the event. Watson expressed enthusiasm about the ceremony because students' hectic schedules do not always allow them time for positive reflection.

"We don't get to celebrate the achievements of our students very often while they're busy going through their programs," she said.

SIFC Elder Beatrice Lavallee opened the ceremony with a prayer in Cree and thanked the Creator for "the life He has given us." She acknowledged that some SIFC students have had to overcome many of life's challenges and stressed that students need to "share, love and respect one another."

"The success of our students benefits us all," said SIFC president Eber Hampton in his address to those gathered in celebration. Following Hampton was Roy Bird, regional director general for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). Bird commented on the occasionally adverse politics surrounding the department's funding of the college, but insisted that INAC Minister Robert Nault supported furthering education. "We need to believe in ourselves and move ahead," Bird concluded.

Joanne Kurtz, an administration student and member of the Cowessess First Nation, received five awards, the most awards for one student. Kurtz is a returning student with a diverse background. She lived in Haiti for five years and returned to fulltime studies in 1999. Her total concentration on studies often makes it difficult to find time for family life, especially her two granddaughters. Despite her dedication, she was "totally stunned" that she received so many awards.

Tony Shirt of Peace Hills Trust presented Kurtz with her scholarship. Shirt said he was proud to be a supporter of SIFC and that he was glad to see "positive things going on in the Native community." Kurtz was also presented with the Bobby Bird Memorial Scholarship. Bird's two sons Daryl Naytowhow and Bobby Bird Jr. were present to honor the memory of their father. She also received the Information Systems Management Scholarship, the Jean Shoebridge Memorial Book Prize, and the SGI Stan Hamilton Scholarship.

Sakimay band member Tannen Acoose received the Regina Eastview Rotary Math Scholarship. Acoose also leads a busy academic life as a tutor, marker, and co-ordinator of the Casino Management program at the Business School, and is a former member of the student council.

Randy Lundy, an SIFC English professor, had high praise for Brenda Fiddler, the winner of the Indian Authors Award. Fiddler's original writing focused on "life on the reserve and off and the tensions that come about." Lundy said he appreciated her "vividness of images."

Rita Tilley, who was awarded the Margaret and Clare Sherrard Friendship Scholarship, is a survivor of residential school. Pursuing her studies in Indian social work, she sees the need for "a healing source enhanced by First Nations knowledge."

Julie Anne Brown, an aspiring doctor who wants to focus on holistic healing, was awarded with the Rotary Club of Regina Eastview Science Scholarship.

The students were excited to have their accomplishments recognized. Tanya Maxi, winner of the city of Regina's Henry Baker Scholarship said, "It's a good idea to honor the recipients because it gives them a sense of pride. It's incentive for future recipients of awards."

Other students recognized at the honoring circle included Kim Barry, who received the University of Regina C.D. Howe Mature Student Achievement Award for Excellence, and the Jean Shoebridge Memorial Book Prize. Sabrina Cote ad Roland Parisee were alo recipients of the C.D. Howe award.

Amy Stevenson received the Jean Shoebridge Memorial Book Prize at the ceremonies, as well as the Solomon Mosquito Scholarship in English.

Audrey Berens, Randy Constant and Tammy Wilson each received the University of Regina General Proficiency Scholarship, while Joanne Giroux and Sonja Ahenakew received the University of Regina Academic Scholarship.

The University of Regina Centennial Merit Scholarship was awarded to Bradyn Parisian, while Lana Hyman received the University of Regina Alumni Senate District Scholarship.

Trisha Hourie received the SIFC Library Book Award, while Cherish Deegan was awarded the SIFC Molson Entrance Scholarship, and Marlene Carriere received the Grain Services Union Bursary.

Jo-Ann Episkenew, academic dean and associate professor of English, expressed the college's gratitude to all the sponsors. "Financial support is really crucial for a great many of our students who are single parents," she said. Episkenew empathized with the students' financial pressures as she reminisced about her own university days. She pointed out that this generation of students is leading the way.

"You are changing the world. You are helping our province and our people."