University of Saskatchewan honours its Aboriginal graduates

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Doctor of dental medicine graduate Glenda Orr from Flying Dust First Nation was one of the graduates honoured at a banquet for Aboriginal students from the University of Saskatchewan College of Arts and Science, held at the Saskatoon Inn on May 31. Her cousin, Adrian Lachance of Edmonton, sang a traditional honour song with a drum to recognize her for her achievements.

Lachance described Orr in a very positive light. "She's a very giving person, very motivated to being the best at whatever she puts her mind to. She's the only one in our family to get to this level of education and I acknowledge her."

Charlotte Ross, co-ordinator of academic programs for Aboriginal students with the College of Arts and Science, worked to put the banquet together. She decided that a banquet for Aboriginal students was truly needed when she was doing research for an internship. She found the names of Aboriginal students at the university, saw a large number of them, and decided to organize the event.

University student Ann Meese and a number of volunteers assisted Ross with putting the evening's program together.

Ross and Meese were both included in the group of honored graduates. Alice La Vallee, of Montreal Lake First Nation, praised Ross for obtaining her master of education degree and for her outstanding work at the university with Aboriginal students. Ross was given a pair of moccasins and was wished well in her ongoing journey.

Meese, who is from Whitehorse, Yukon was presented with a piece of Inuit artwork from her friends, Brenda Sam and Viola Papaqush. The two traveled from the their home community to publicly recognize Meese for her achievements.

"I liked it because I was one of the honorees," Meese said. "The food, the Elders, the presenters, honored guests, the veterans. My family was impressed by the veterans because they never see that back home, the veterans being honored like that."

As the most distinguished graduate, Messe obtained her bachelor of arts with a double degree in Native studies and anthropology/archaeology, with high honors in Native studies.

"I felt good being honored. Those who didn't get to go to their convocation got to be honored in this way," she said. Unfortunately, many students were unable to attend the banquet due to other commitments.

Artist Scott Stonechild of Muscowpetung First Nation, also graduated this year, with a studio art degree. He decided to take this area of study for numerous reasons, he explained.

"It provides me with freedom of expression, choice, and visual art to enhance the next generation of artists in all areas. I think it's a new beginning, bringing my Elders' teachings together. It enriches me at the university level, in the reserve, and with friends and family." Stonechild plans to take his masters program in art at the University of Los Angeles. He said his goals for the future include being able "to live more comfortably with my education, and hopefully my family will benefit from it. I'm happy that I've achieved this goal in my life and I hope my children achieve theirs as well."

Numerous presentations were made by family, friends, and community representatives to demonstrate the honour that the graduating students brought to their communities. Teejay Gardiner of Prince Albert was presented with a Metis sash by Robert Doucette, who represented Metis Employment and Training Saskatchewan Inc. Many others were also presented with gifts expressing the respect and pride felt by their family, friends, and communities.

Keynote speaker Maria Campbell, who is a writer and professor at the University of Saskatchewan, recognized the graduates for their accomplishments.

"It must feel good to finish this part of your journey. I'd like to say we are very proud of all of you for your accomplishments. It's your people, your communities who will benefit. Education has always been the heart of our culture. One of our grandmothers was a keeper of education, she did his through storytelling. This education has always been an important part of us."

Campbell spoke about culture as a positive factor in a person's university education, and of how this culture will be influential in future education at the university level.

"My dream and hope as a writer and teacher is the changes. In our university education I feel there has to be more content of our spirit and soul. It's important we bring our Elders to our classrooms. I also encourage our leadership to work hard and come to that leadership with your beliefs and values."

At the end of the evening, every attendee joined in a circle for a round dance, with the song performed by a drum group from Whitefish.