SIIT celebrates 40 years of graduations
- Andréa Ledding | June 20, 2016
Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is not only celebrating forty years of excellence, but the graduation of over 200 Indigenous students. And 72 year-old Cora Keshane has a challenge for other Elders: go back to school.
“If I can do it, they can too,” she said to reporters after the graduation at Prairieland Park, where she was given a shout-out for being the eldest graduate, bringing home a certificate for Community Services - Addiction. She noted that her younger classmates had been incredibly supportive, and her family had always been behind her. “Get out there and go for it, you can do it.”
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There were many stories of perseverance, as noted by graduation ceremony MC Zoey Roy. Several students addressed the crowd including Prince Albert Campus’ Rhonda Thomas, Chrissy Labrash and Sundance Kinequon from Regina Campus, and Cassandra Konotopski from Saskatoon Campus. Along with greetings from SIIT President Riel Bellegarde and other dignitaries, there was a moment of remembrance for those who were no longer walking in this world.
And then there was non-stop applause, cheers and photo ops as certificates and diplomas in Business Administration, Human Resource, Information Technology, Community Services - Addiction, Educational Assistant, Health Care Aide, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, Power Engineering, Process Operation Technician, Addiction/Mental Health, Home Visiting Applied, and Carpenter, Electrician, and Welder Certification were handed out. Graduates proudly held them aloft during the final victory song.
Many of the graduates’ families were present as well. Health Care Aide graduate Nitanish Halkett from the Prince Albert Campus was present with her mom Brenda Masuskapoe, and her son Allen — who is four days old. Halkett, from Little Red Reserve, hopes to go on to become a Licensed Practical Nurse and study at the P.A. Campus.
“She spent some days studying with a garbage can in front of her,” noted her mom when asked if a first pregnancy was challenging to balance with coursework and exams. “But she did it.”
And that was the resounding theme of the graduation: despite obstacles and challenges, despite exams and armloads of textbooks, despite all the everyday life challenges that get in the way, including morning sickness — they did it, with support from their teachers, their families, and their proud communities.
Evelyn Fisher from Sapotawegak Cree Nation in Manitoba posed with her husband Eddie, son Jonathan, and daughter Janaya before describing how awesome she felt.
“Two years went by so quickly — it was lots of fun,” noted Fisher. “I’m excited to help my community.”
Congratulations SIIT graduates of 2016. From 72 year-old Cora Keshane, to 4 day old Allen Halkett’s mom Nitanish, you are making a difference in your lives, your communities, and in our world.