Educational partnership reaches full circle

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Shuswap Native Percy Casper accepted his Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University wearing traditional warrior garb. He says he's got the best of both worlds now.

Casper joined 14 other graduates to celebrate with family, friends and dignitaries the first convocation of the Secwepeme Cultural Education Society and Simon Fraser University partnership program. The event marked the culmination of an innovative effort linking the two education facilities, enabling Shuswap students to obtain university degrees without having to leave their homes.

The completion of degrees was only a dream six years ago when the partnership began. Co-chairs of the joint steering committee, Chief Ron Ignace and Hari Sharma,

SFU sociology professor called the achievement a momentous milestone in the history of the partnership.

After starting with just a handful of students, the joint program now has more than 150 students of all ages enroled in courses from sociology to linguistics. The university credit courses are taught in the same classrooms of the former residential school where the Shuswap language was once banned. Portable classrooms have been added to the building, as well as Chief Louis powwow arbor.

The sun shone brightly, almost as warm as the smiles of the graduates, families and Elders of Shuswap Nations, as the sacrifices and accomplishments of the students were recognized.

Valedictorian John Jules told fellow students the old teachings say personal empowerment is the key to success and it could be gained by going on a vision quest.

But today, education empowers people, said Jules.

Graduate Dianne Biin took home more than a Bachelor of Arts degree from the convocation ceremony. The dedicated student also received the Dean's Convocation Medal, Faculty of Arts, SCES program, for academic excellence, co-op work, and for being a role model for other Aboriginal students.

Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Ovide Mercredi was at the graduation and encouraged the audience to persevere after setting goals.

"You can choose to become whatever you want, as long as you work at it each day," said Mercredi.

The national chief also suggested Reform Party MP Herb Grubel attend the program for a year to experience reserve life and the struggles Aboriginal students must overcome to get an education.

Grubel recently compared reserve life to living on a South Sea island because of government handouts during a discussion in the House of Commons.