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2024 SUNTEP Graduates Teaching & Leading the Next Generation

by Bethani Groat, GDI Communications Coordinator

Jul 19, 2024

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The following article was originally published in the GDI Communicator Vol. 18 Issue 5, May 2024. The Communicator is a monthly internal newsletter intended to celebrate the achievements of the management and staff of the Gabriel Dumont Institute. You can find the archive of previous issues in the Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture.

May 2024 marks the 40th graduation of SUNTEP (Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program). The four-year Bachelor of Education program is offered in partnership between the Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI), the University of Regina, and the University of Saskatchewan. This year X graduated from the SUNTEP program joining the remarkable 1,496 graduates since the 1980s.

SUNTEP graduations are uniquely personal and memorable for students and faculty who have formed a tight bond over the four-year program. Many of the graduates spoke about how they will miss seeing their classmates every day, and they shared a deep respect and admiration for the faculty and staff who went above and beyond to help ensure that they graduated.

Acting GDI Executive Director, Brett Vandale brought congratulations on behalf of the Institute on their remarkable accomplishments and students: “As graduates from the SUNTEP program you are fulfilling a dream and a vision for Métis education in Saskatchewan that is decades old.” His sentiments were echoed by Minister Wendy Gervais, Chair of the GDI Board of Governors, who shared advice from her career as an educator. Keynote speakers noted the resiliency, compassion, intelligence, and determination of the students, many of whom began their studies during the pandemic, and persevered through the many additional obstacles and challenges those years brought.

SUNTEP Regina 2024 Graduates

On May 3rd, SUNTEP Regina honoured seven remarkable graduates, and a large number of SUNTEP alumni and staff were present to welcome their newest colleagues. The students chose the theme “Journey of Excellence,” which denotes their perseverance and dedication through the pandemic to reach this goal. The graduates also recognized SUNTEP Regina Faculty, Natalie McNabb, with the Order of the Sash for her service.

SUNTEP Saskatoon 2024 Graduates

On May 11th, SUNTEP Saskatoon held its graduation ceremony for 23 exceptional graduates. Valedictorian, and 2024 Order of Gabriel Dumont Bronze Medal recipient, Kendall Hanikenne remarked, “We have forged life-long friendships, discovered skills and passions, and overcome obstacles that once seemed insurmountable.” Elder Harriet Oakes St. Pierre shared words of hope for the future of education, and the importance of education to help shape the hearts and minds of future generations.

SUNTEP P.A. 2024 Graduates

On May 16th, SUNTEP Prince Albert celebrated X extraordinary graduates. The ceremony was attended by representatives from both the Public and Catholic school divisions highlighting strong community relationships and the support that these graduates have received in their practicum teaching placements.

The overwhelming theme from each ceremony was celebrating the graduates for making it through the pandemic and online learning to earn their Bachelor of Education degrees. Now these graduates are in an important position to become influential role models for the next generation.

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