WHITE BEAR FIRST NATIONS - The White Bear Education Complex (WBEC) gym was a flurry of activity as it filled with children and adults celebrating a successful school year. Over 70 people, along with balloons, drumming, music, displayed children’s pictures, tears and laughter, helped nine kindergartens celebrate their achievements. There was no mistaking their happy grins and excited energy.
MC Alisa Favel, opened up the afternoon with introductions and welcoming of everyone that supported the children throughout the school year.
Favel wanted to acknowledge the sponsors that helped make the graduation a success:
The Bear Claw Casino donated the graduates’ food platters and the beautiful backdrop that completed the stage. White Bear Health Department (Doreen Pasap), Serena Maxay and Celina Shepherd donated graduate cupcakes and bannock. Sheila and Larry Ecksdale donated homemade buns and beautifully decorated cupcakes.
Flora Littlechief donated the colorful graduation dresses, along with the ribbon shirt and sash that was worn by the one male that graduated. Sheri Capo donated dream catchers. The graduation invites and itinerary was graciously created by Angel Ackachuck. Favel also acknowledged Angel’s support in the classroom as her first year as education assistant.
The administration and elementary school decorating committee were acknowledged, there was a $100 donation from an anonymous community member, and Legacy King offered photography at a discounted price.
The Donald MacArthur scholarship fund donates a bursary for Grade 12 graduates, graciously donated the pre-dinner Dairy Queen meal for the kindergartens. Last but not least, Favel thanked all of the students and the staff for the school year.
Elder Nora Kakakaway followed Favel with a prayer in Cree while sage burned on a corner table.
The children entered the room one at a time when their name was called; wearing their hats and gowns they did a graduation walk around the gym while drums quietly beat, cameras flashed and Never Grow Up by Taylor Swift was played.
Everyone was given five minutes to take pictures while the children patiently sat in their chairs on stage and then they were off for another costume change. This time when the children entered the room one at a time, they were wearing the donated gowns, ribbon shirt and sash. Happy, performed by Pharrell Williams, accompanied the children on their walk.
Kindergarten teacher Angela McArthur handed out the graduation certificates and goodie bags (donated by Treaty Alliance Education), and encouraged all the parents to be good partners with their teachers. Kindergarten is the first step, and it’s a few more steps to Grade 12.
Lise Fuller, who helped out at the school every Tuesday, was gifted a Star blanket and flowers.
An announcement was made by Sara Ballard and Lisa Ewack, from Treaty Education Alliance. The alliance is a second-level of service provided to the school; they support school teams, parents and help identify areas of strength and need for the school children. Ewack is also knowledge keeper for White Bear First Nation. Parents and school staff were encouraged to continue in advocating for their education and inherent treaty rights of culture, customs and traditions.
After White Bear Health handed the kids a final gift bag, the day closed with a performance from Teagan Littlechief.
