Reserve celebrating a decade of success

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"Seeing Indian people administer their own education system is a dream achieved and successfully done by the educators and leaders with support from the people of Saddle Lake. Onchaminahos is a unique school instilled with pride as a result of a dream come true."

These words were spoken by school vice-principal Gloria McGilvary as she described the changes at Onchaminahos School during the 13 years she has been there.

Ten years ago, there were no graduates from the school. This year there will be 14 and in the next year or two, possibly as many as 30. These numbers are attributed to local control and the genuine interest Native leaders and Native staff have in the education of their children.

Onchaminahos School is continuing to grow and change under the guidance of rookie principal Phyllis Cardinal, who is no stranger to the school having taught there prior to her four years at Edmonton's Ben Calf Robe School.

"One thing I brought back with me was a contract and every one of the students have signed it," said Cardinal.

The contract outlines three areas, where students are required to make commitments to help them keep in focus throughout the school year: attendance, studies and respect.

"It's an arrangement between the school and home," said Cardinal.

The school now has a resident elder for the first time. Noah Cardinal teaches the students about their culture through things like ice fishing and spiritual teachings.

Both Cardinal and McGilvary believe the school to be a home away from home. They initiated projects within existing programs to expand on the idea.

As part of the school art program, a school loge contest was held. The winning entry is proudly painted on the hallway wall just outside the main office.

Throughout the school corridors, numerous other pieces of art were drawn and painted on the walls by the students. They're all bright, colorful and cultural.

The school curriculum has also been expanded to reflect the overall changes.

"When you look for changes and progress, you look for ways to address students' concerns," said Cardinal.

"When studying the white middle-class family in social studies, they look at the Native family as well. In Grade 6 when they study government, they learn about the chief and council, land claims and discrimination."

The school is big on individual achievements and has implemented an incentive program to promote and encourage excellence among the students. In addition, individuals will be chosen and honored at the second annual school powwow in May.

"A lot of people have done well in leadership, post-secondary, art and athletics in Indian and non-Indian society," said Cardinal. The powwow - A Vision, A Reality, A Future - will be a celebration of 10 years of Indian control over education.

"It's a celebration, but it's also a time when the community can see what the school is doing," said Cardinal. "It's recognizing education as something that's there for our people to reflect on and also to promotes within the community."

An effective parenting workshop will run in conjunction with the powwow. Displays of community businesses and services will also be set up for viewing.