GDI is a Saskatchewan-based educational, employment and cultural institute serving Métis across the province
Jun 7, 2016
Posted in: Uncategorized
By Brenna Pacholko
The Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP) faculty, alumni, Elders, and guests gathered on Friday May 6, 2016 to honor and celebrate this year’s SUNTEP graduates: Trenna Beauregard, Dalton Burzminski, Hannah Haydt, Taylor Pelletier, Chelsie Sinclair, and Alicia Saworski. The evening, hosted at the Delta Regina, included entertainment provided by SUNTEP alumnus Alison Kimbley, and the Seven Stone Steppers Elementary School Jigging Club accompanied by Métis fiddler, Nathan Baker.
The evening program included the First Nation drumming group, Napewsak, who performed an honour song for the graduates. The keynote address was given by Wendy Willis, a long time instructor with the SUNTEP program, and awards were presented by Russell Fayant, community Métis knowledge keepers Joe Welsh, Erma Taylor, and the Amyotte family. Gabriel Dumont Institute Executive Director Geordy McCaffery addressed the graduates; while Dr. Michael Cappello brought greetings from the Faculty of Education, University of Regina.
Chelsie Sinclair was honoured with a Starblanket for the Spirit of SUNTEP Award in recognition of her commitment to leadership and volunteerism within the community. Dalton Burzminski was awarded the David Amyotte Memorial Scholarship to recognize his commitment to Indigenous education. Taylor Frei, a third year student, was awarded the Lebret Métis Cultural Days Scholarship in recognition of his familial connections to Lebret, as well as his commitment to teaching Métis culture through pre-internship.
Lastly, the graduates chose to honour SUNTEP Faculty member, Brenna Pacholko, with The Order of the Sash, an award bestowed upon individuals who have made cultural, political, or social contributions to the community. To end the evening, each graduate was honoured with a Métis sash and a unique leather portfolio in acknowledgment of their hard work in accomplishing their Bachelor of Education degrees. SUNTEP is proud of each of the 2016 graduates for their contributions to education and the Métis community thus far and wishes them the best in their future endeavours. SUNTEP Regina has graduated 255 Indigenous teachers with Bachelor of Education degrees to date.
GDI is a Saskatchewan-based educational, employment and cultural institute serving Métis across the province
