Valerie G. Barnes Connell/Northern Advocate The NSTIP Graduating class of 2024. The Northern Saskatchewan Indigenous Teacher Education Program (NSITEP) celebrated the graduation of 16 newly-minted teachers at the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre (JRMCC) Friday, May 24.
Each graduate entered the hall in a procession to take their seats on the stage to begin the ceremony. They received congratulations from Dr. Morris Cook, NSITEP Director; Dr.
James Nahachewsky, on behalf of the University of Regina, the degree accreditor for the NSITEP program; and Chief Tammy Coo-Searson. Grads were presented with gifts from NSITEP; and Métis sashes. Chief and Council of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) all wrapped each grad in a ceremonial Star Blanket.
Special awards were presented throughout the ceremony. Malachi McKenzie received the 2 nd Annual NISTEP iskotēw Community Fires award, presented by Julius Park. The Order of Gabriel Dumont Bronze Medal was presented to third-year student, Betty Ann Durocher.
For several years, Nancy Lafleur, a former educator with NSITEP, through her, in partnership with her husband, Glenn Lafleur, company, Cree8ive Cree-ations, has sewn beautiful skirts, raffled them off to raise money in support of different organizations. She also created the annual Strength and Perseverance Award, which is presented annually to a NSITEP student at the Graduation. Valerie G.
Barnes Connell/Northern Advocate Nancy Lafleur shared the story of the dragon fly wi.
