Innu Nation celebrates record number of Grade 12 graduates
CBC
Mamu Tshishkutamashutau Innu Education marked a new record this year after decades of work.
It's celebrating 34 graduates from Innu Nation this Spring — a record for the division after formally taking over education in Innu lands in 2009.
When the churches and provincial government ran the education system from the late 1960s to 2008, Mamu Tshishkutamashutau CEO Kanani Davis said there were fewer graduates over that entire time period than what was seen this year.
"The number of graduates was 30 students in our schools in both communities. So for us to get more than 30 students in one year, this is a huge success for the Innu," Davis told CBC News.
Some students celebrating are in their early 20s. Davis said it's positive to see young adults returning to school to finish Grade 12 because the high school diploma opens a number of doors.
"You could be 21 and still come back and do your credits. So just seeing the number and the older kids coming back and finishing up their credits, it's amazing," Davis said.
"There was a couple of graduates that came out with their babies in their arms and that made me so emotional because I could relate."
Uapukun Summer Rich is one of the 19 who graduated in Natuashish.
"It was amazing," Rich said of graduating. "That's what I needed to get that diploma after I worked so hard to go back to school."
Rich had previously dropped out of school but later returned. She said it was tough but education is important and hopes to encourage other people who dropped out to return.
"I would tell them to go back and finish, even though you're older now. You still got time," Rich said.
Rich hopes to become a nurse or a doctor and return to Natuashish to work in healthcare.
At the Sheshatshiu Innu School prom on June 16, valedictorian Judith Hill gave thanks for the education the class received and said they are ready to take on the challenges ahead.
"Our contribution to the world will not be measured by the money we make or the awards we receive. But rather by how we share our unique gifts with the world," Hill said.