Grad largest in SIFC history

Page R2

"I first enrolled in university while I was living in Manitoba a few years back. At that time it seemed to me that there was something missing as I did not seem to be able to fit into the educational system. It seemed that I had to forget my own culture in order to be successful."

Those were the words of the valedictorian at the 1993 Spring Convocation of the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College. Rosina Hester, originally from the Opasquiak Cree Nation in Manitoba and receiving her Bachelor of Arts Ordinary degree in Indian Studies, delivered her speech to approximately 600 friends and relatives of the largest graduating class in SIFC history.

Ninety-one graduates received degrees and certificates in 19 categories. Special acknowledgments and awards were also recognized by the college.

Hester experienced difficulties as a Native student at the Manitoba university, and welcomed the opportunity to continue her studies at SIFC.

"On one particularly frustrating afternoon I met two students who were graduates of a post-secondary institution called the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College. Upon further discussion, I learned all about SIFC and decided that this was the ideal place for me as it combined Native culture and post-secondary education."

Hester also expressed her gratitude towards the elders at the college who had guided her through her university years, a point reinforced by other graduates who spoke.

While SIFC grads also participate in the larger University of Regina convocation, the separate ceremonies held a day before offers an intimate atmosphere in which Native representatives have an opportunity to congratulate the students personally for their accomplishments.

Chief Roland Crowe, head of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, Dr. Eber Hampton, SIFC president, and Ron Jamieson, vice-president of Aboriginal Banking for the Bank of Montreal addressed the graduating class. All spoke of the impact Aboriginal professionals will have on Canadian society and encouraged the graduates to continue in their professional development.

"It has been a difficult year but also a year of accomplishments," Hampton told the audience. "It has been a good year despite the reminder that our people and our students are constantly faced with obstacles."

Tribal and district chiefs or their representatives were on hand to present awards to graduating students from their communities.