SADDLE LAKE – Approximately 555 credentials from Saddle Lake First Nation were honoured during the 19th Biennial Education Authority Round Dance in Saddle Lake held at the Manitou Kihew Arena on March 18.
“They are hope for the future,” said Saddle Lake Chief Terry Cardinal, during the event, referring not only to the First Nation community, but to the graduates' own futures as well. No matter their path, “there will be something here for them,” he said, acknowledging the training, experiences and knowledge graduates had gained.
“There’s hope... a lot of hope,” he reiterated, and congratulated all the graduates, wishing them the best in the future.
The event was organized by the Biennial Education Round Dance Planning Committee, celebrating the accomplishments of its Nation members who graduated from various programs between Jan. 1, 2019, and Dec. 31, 2022.
The 555 students graduated from institutions from across Canada and the United States.
The round dance, held under the theme of “WANISKA – Wake up!” provided an opportunity for Saddle Lake’s members to “finally gather together, reconnect and celebrate” graduates' accomplishments. The event was on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Representatives of the committee are Debra Cardinal of Saddle Lake Education Authority, Bernadine Houle-Steinhauer of Saddle Lake Post Secondary (SLPS), Rose Collins from Employment and Training, and Ruby Stone from the Reinvestment and Training.
“We are so proud of you for making the necessary adjustments in your schooling, be it going online to stepping back to being in the classroom,” according to the committee’s message in event agenda. “Now more than ever we can all appreciate the sacrifice you have all taken to ensure your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being was nurtured and cared for.”
The message further stated, “This is a time to share your success with family, friends and our Nation – We lift you up and honour you. Ahkaymeyimok.”
