News
DTI Student Success Story: Jerry Junior Bloomfield
By Lily McKay-Carriere, DTI ABE Faculty
Aug 5, 2024
Posted in: Adult Basic Education
On May 28th, Jerry Junior Bloomfield graduated from the Adult Basic Education Level 4 program offered by Dumont Technical Institute in Cumberland House. His family and community leaders celebrated the special event with the young father of four boys, who once opted out of high school, only to make a successful comeback by earning his diploma as an adult. He states, “I needed a grade 12 diploma to open doors of opportunity, and I am so grateful that I could do it in my home community!” Jerry’s determination to succeed in his educational journey holds promise of pathways to “mino-pimâtisiwin,” a Cree word for “living a good life.”
Throughout the year, Jerry displayed a range of qualities and attributes, including perseverance, overcoming adversity, and connection to his Métis identity that helped him succeed. When other learners gave up, Jerry finished thanks to his perseverance. When his partner faced health challenges, Jerry was prepared to quit the program to focus on family, but she encouraged him to finish the diploma. He overcame adversity to claim his education. When Jerry learned the history and contemporary issues regarding Indigenous Peoples, he demonstrated a connection to his Métis identity. It was a period of self-reflection which gave him insight into his roots and a clear path forward.
Succeeding in the ABE program has magnified Jerry’s gratitude for the support provided by the Metis Nation—Saskatchewan, the local leadership, and his family. As we celebrate his educational achievement, we recognize that Jerry’s traits of perseverance, resilience, and sense of identity, along with an Adult 12 Diploma, will shine a light on the path of Mino-pimâtisiwin!
