News
SUNTEP Regina Celebrates Graduation
Oct 23, 2019
Posted in: SUNTEP
The Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP) Regina faculty, staff, alumni, Old Ones, family members and guests gathered Friday May 3, 2019 to honor and celebrate this year’s graduating group; Alexandra McNabb-Sinclair (Distinction), Tyra Pelletier, Alyssa Pelletier, Tresley Tourond Bouvier (Great Distinction) and Rebecca Wiens.
This year’s theme, nee mooshuhkinitonawn, – We Lift Each Other Up, was fitting for this group of Indigenous women who gave unwavering support to each other as they overcame many obstacles moving through their SUNTEP journey. The evening, hosted at the Delta Regina, started with entertainment by the Thompson Community School Jigging Club lead by SUNTEP Alumnus Alison Kimbley. The dancers were accompanied by Indigenous fiddler Eve Turner.
The graduating group chose two SUNTEP Regina alumni to emcee the event: Chad Fisher (Educator with The Ranch Ehrlo Society) and Elsa Ramos-McKenzie (Educator with Regina Public Schools). The evening program included the First Nations drumming group Napewsak that performed an honour song for the graduates. Dr. Earl Cook, Gabriel Dumont Institute Board of Governors Chair, greeted the graduates and congratulations were extended by the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina, Dr. Valerie Mulholland. The keynote address by Russell Fayant and Garrick Schmidt outlined to the graduates and guests how the work of reconciliation takes place in our personal lives, professional lives and through culture.
Tresley Tourond-Bouvier was honoured with a starblanket for the “Spirit of SUNTEP” award in recognition of her commitment to leadership and volunteerism within the community. Alexandra McNabb-Sinclair was awarded the “David Amyotte Memorial Scholarship” to recognize her commitment to Indigenous education. Third year student, Kayla Ward, was awarded the Lebret Métis Cultural Days Scholarship to acknowledge her familial connections to and activism within the community. Lastly, this year’s graduating class chose to honour a respected Old One in our community, Joe Welsh, with “The Order of the Sash.”
At end the evening each graduate was honoured with a Métis sash and a unique, hand-made leather portfolio in acknowledgment of their hard work in accomplishing their Bachelor of Education degree. SUNTEP Regina is proud of each of the 2019 graduates for their commitment to education and the Métis community. We wish them the best in their future endeavours.
SUNTEP Regina Class of 2019. From left: Rebecca Wiens, Tresley Tourond-Bouvier, Tyra Pelletier, Alyssa Pelletier, Alexandra McNabb-Sinclair
Photo by Brenna Pacholko
