Mother and son among life skills graduates

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When Sandra Courterielle walked forward to receive her certificate after finishing an eight-week life skills course, little did she realize her baby son Nicolas would also receive a certificate.

"Nicolas was right there in the group along with Sandra. He's the first life skills baby to complete the course," laughed life skills coach Arnold Kootenay.

Certificates were given to 13 happy graduates at a March 13 banquet on the Alexander reserve, 50 km north of Edmonton.

Elder George Arcand Sr. had some wise words for the graduates. Before his opening prayer he reminded them to look to elders for guidance and to always seek out the Great Spirit, who is kind.

"Too many young people do not pay attention to the elders. When someone misses a word or says something wrong, people laugh at their mistakes. We hurt each other in many ways. We must learn respect for one another," he said.

Alexander education centre administrator Edna Arcand told the graduates that support systems would always be there for them, "but now it's up to you to make the difference."

I once thought it was the people around me who made the difference until an elder told me only I made the difference.

"Now you have completed the life skills course I hope you will be successful in your lives. It starts with you," she said.

Valedictorian Sandra Courterielle said the program gave her the opportunity to get in touch with her feelings.

"I have benefited form it. On behalf of all the graduates we thank all the coaches and people responsible for starting the program.

"And thanks fellow graduates for all the positive feedback and support you gave me," Courtrielle said.

Maxine Bruno received a bouquet of flowers for completing her first year as a life skills coach.

"This is very unexpected. I always wanted to work in my own community to help people find the skills the already have," she said.

Master of ceremonies Casy Lightning read a letter from Alexander Chief Stanley Arcand congratulating the graduates on their accomplishment.

Doreen Murphy and Barry Dunkley of the Edmonton Life Skills Training Centre attended the graduation.

Graduate Lee Sleigh read a poem, What is Life Skills? That represented the graduates.

The other graduates are Pauline Arcand, Ruth Arcand, Sheryl Arcand, Sandra Courterielle, Margaret Dubois, Don Gauthier, Curtis House, Darren LeFlech, Myrna LeFlech, Peter LeFlech, Colette L'Hirondelle and Casy Lightning.

Carolyn LeFleche was given a participant award.