SADDLE LAKE - Students at Saddle Lake's Kihew Asiniy Education Centre were celebrated for their hard work and achievements on June 11 with a ceremony that combined an in-school ceremony, but also allowed the community to take part in celebrations with a parade afterward.
Principal Dale Steinhauer offered a message to students as they took the next big step in their lives.
"On behalf of KAEC and former teachers, I am honoured to congratulate the class of 2021. Together we have overcome barriers and challenges to stand here and say, 'You did it!' We are very proud of you and recognize this milestone is the beginning of the bigger picture your parents and guardians have prepared for you."
The principal encouraged graduates to "remember your source of strength and wisdom lies in the ancestral values that have been protected for you and passed on through your parents."
She added, "At KAEC, our intention is to continue to build strong confident nehiyawak who will step into the world of post-secondary or work. Whatever choice you make, remember, you come from proud ancestral wisdom and strength. ahkameyimok"
A number of virtual messages were also delivered to graduates, as per public health measures that remained in place.
Saddle Lake Education Board member Valerie Cardinal passed on congratulations to the 14 graduates.
"My message today is going to be about relationships, and the importance of them. . . Your primary relationships coming into the world is with your family." She described them as a support system.
The other relationships she spoke to are those that have been built in the school system. Teachers, support staff and administrators have "rallied around you."
"You have a whole Nation who loves you so much. . . so you're able to achieve the things you are able to achieve. . . . Love your community," said Valerie.
She noted that the hope is that students will continue on to post-secondary education.
Relationships continue beyond that.
"It's a global world now. So we see so many of our members doing wonderful things."
She also spoke of the importance of natural law - honesty, determination, sharing, and kindness. "We hope that those skills, those thoughts, those ways to be in the world - that you will carry that on."
Brenda-Lee Cardinal, one of the school's basketball coaches also offered some thoughts. She said she wanted to give students a good experience on the basketball court, and while it was overwhelming sometimes, she was committed to the role.
"Not everything you do will be you expected it, but stick it through," said Brenda-Lee. "Now you are the coach of your own life. You are setting the pace."
Debra Cardinal, superintendent of Saddle Lake Cree Nation Schools acknowledged the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic, and noted that graduates persevered through a challenging time.
"These are not easy times. We don't know what the long-term impacts will have. . . but we'll get through this."
Saddle Lake Cree Nation Coun. Pamela Quinn said she was extremely proud of the graduates.
"You are all leaders," said Quinn.
The graduating class of 2021 includes: Shandon Cardinal, Aden Cardinal, Krimson Cardinal, Ethan Pasquayak, Taylor Cardinal, Lanny Quinney, Jarvis Jackson, Emily Cardinal, Utin Cardinal, Shanelle Cardinal, Nolton Hunter, Archer Cardinal, Shaylee Cardinal, and Steve Cardinal.
