Indian college grads from all walks of life

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Donna Pinay had four kids, a grandchild and a job, but that didn't stop her from attending university and making a success of it.

The 40-year old single mother was one of 99 students who graduated May 26 from the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College.

Pinay and many others overcame hardships and challenges to earn their degrees, diplomas and certificates. Pinay, who is from the Peepeekisis First Nation, started university four years ago. She completed her BA in English, but it wasn't easy.

"I'm a single parent with four children and feel that it is very important that I spend time with them," said Pinay. "My grandchild, who I keep, is suffering from a serious illness, so I had to balance my time with my children. I did it with the thought in mind that you can re-take a class, but you can't re-raise a child."

Pinay plans to continue her studies at the SIFC's Regina campus.

"My next goal is to get my master's degree before I'm 50," she laughs.

Randy Pritchard, a Metis from Saskatoon, lived the old adage if you work hard enough, you will succeed.

"There was a time not too long ago that I was working four jobs while taking classes at the same time," said Pritchard, who graduated in the social work program.

Before starting university, the 32-year-old worked as a service group foreman in the pipeline industry. He decided to make a career change to satisfy his urge to become more productive in assisting young people and families. That's why he chose social work as a major.

Pritchard earned the highest grade-point average in the social work program - not only at SIFC, but at the whole University of Regina.

"If I had to give advice to a younger person entering university," said Pritchard, "I would tell them to work hard, take good notes, and discipline yourself to keep going."

Pritchard now works for social services in Saskatoon. He said he may return to the SIFC to obtain his master's degree, but he wants to gain some practical experience first.

Yvonne House, head of the Indian Social Work Program, said she's impressed with the calibre of students in the graduating class.

"Much of what happens here is that we try to bring out the inner strength and beauty of each student and enhance it by validating their knowledge."

She notes that the number of graduates from the social work program, which marks its 20th anniversary this year, now exceeds 300, "and 80 per cent of them are now employed."

Regina resident Robert Nestor received an honors bachelor of arts degree in Indian Studies. Nestor started working on his degree in 1989. He is one of the non-Native students who graduated from SIFC.

"I've always been a very curious person," he explains, "and I enjoy the aspect of learning about different cultures, especially Native people."

Also convocating, but unable to attend, were 13 international students who earned certificates in administration.

Most of the students had returned to their homelands before the convocation. They came from far-away places such as Peru, Tanzania and Hong Kong.

SIFC had campuses in Regina, Saskatoon and an extension and northern operations in Prince Albert. This was the first time the convocation was held in Saskatoon, and this year's graduation took on an improved format. Instead of having the ceremony, banquet and dance all in one evening, the events were spread over the afternoon and evening.

In the convocation address, FSIN Senator Dr. David Ahenakew noted that the college started in 1976, and now has nearly 1,000 alumni who can be found "in all spheres of influence."

Ahemnakew said that about one-third of all First Nations university students in Canada are enrolled in SIFC.