U of L grads recognized

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For the fist time in history, University of Lethbridge Native graduates were honoured and recognized for their academic achievements at the Native Awareness Powwow, March 28.

The Native American Students' Association (NASA) and the Department of Native American Studies (NAS) handed out certificates of merit to past and current Native graduates. Gerry Abbot, president of NASA and Roy Knott, vice-president, gave out certificates to degree students and Native management graduates.

Four Native students completed their degree requirements in December. They are Genevieve (Patty) Fox, Evelyn Goodstriker, Blood Indians, who obtained their Bachelor of Education degrees, majoring in social studies. They are now both teaching at the Standoff Elementary School in Standoff.

Freda Bastein, a Peigan Nation member, completed her Bachelor of Education degree majoring in business education and is now teaching at the Peigan Elementary school in Brocket.

John MacKenzie, completed his Native American Studies degree in December. He is a member of the Assumption Band in northern Alberta and is now working towards his Native management certificate.

Students who also completed their Native management requirements in December were also given certificates of merit. They were Delphine Pipestem, Sarcee Nation; Audrey Provost, Peigan Nation, Jackie Red Crow, Blood Nation, Joanne Tobin, first Inuit graduate from Labrador; and Marilyn Belleau, a Shuswap Indian from Alkali Lake, B.C.

Both Pipestem and Provost are working towards their management degrees at the U of L. Red Crow is enrolled in a pre-journalism program and both Tobin and Belleau have returned home to continue studies in computer science.

In a special newsletter published by the NASA, a number of inspirational profiles on the graduates were featured. Patty Fox said that, "It was a challenge to attend university. I knew I could do it despite knowing I had to make a lot of sacrifices."

One of the sacrifices Fox was referring to was the responsibility of applying diligence in university studies. In order to obtain good marks, a student must spend at least six hours a week for every course he or she is enrolled in. "But when you finish four years of study, it's the greatest achievement you can have," said Fox

Fox said she always wanted to do something positive and constructive for her community ? the Blood Reserve. "I wanted to be a teacher, to be a role model. If I can do it, they (Native children) can do it too, said Fox.

Evelyn Goodstriker, always was involved in education concerns on the Blood Reserve. "I've always been interested in Native education even in earlier years when my children were attending the Standoff Elementary School. I started going to university when my youngest child went to kindergarten," said Goodstriker.

"My goal was to go back to the reserve to teach. I never had a Native teacher when I was going to school. There is a need for Native role models," said Goodstriker.

Freida Bastien continued post-secondary education after she obtained a business administration diploma at the Lethbridge Community College in 1982. She majored in business education at the U of L. "I never thought I could eo it. But it's worth it once you finish your degree," said Bastien.

John MacKenzie said that hard work and commitment are the keys to a successful student life. MacKenzie plans to work with his people in the area of education.

Delphine Pipestem, Sarcee Indian, said that economic self-sufficiency is often on the lips of Native politicians, but more Native people must obtain formal management training if they want to increase their chances of being successful.

Although management is a competitive field, Pipestem says a Native person does not necessarily have to abandon his or her cultural values and beliefs when studying at a post-secondary institution.

"I'm competitive within myself. I always strive to do better."

Pipestem achieved the highest grades in the second roup of Native management graduates. Her grade point average was 3.3 out of a possible four.

Garry Abbot said that the club plans to honour graduates every year during their Awareness Week to encourage more Native people to seek post-secondary education.