DFC graduates a record number of students

Dennis Franklin Cromarty First Nations High School celebrated the achievements of a record 33 graduates on May 3 at the Valhalla Inn.

“That is a huge accomplishment — that’s saying a lot about not just DFC but our students also,” says Deputy Grand Chief Derek Fox. “The fact that we’re getting more graduates every year shows that people care about education more than ever. As far as the future is concerned, it is very good for the people of the north to see that our young people are taking education very seriously. If we can encourage them, as many of our guest speakers said, encourage them to pursue the next chapter or open those doors to college or university or become doctors or lawyers, whatever is in their heart, that is a good step.”

Northern Nishnawbe Education Council executive director Norma Kejick also applauded the record number of DFC graduates.

“It is a very special day to celebrate when you have outgrown the school gymnasium for graduation ceremonies,” Kejick says. “This is the largest graduating class we have seen since (DFC) opened.”

Kejick says the students achieved success even though they faced a difficult journey since leaving home to study in Thunder Bay.

“I want to congratulate you all and just admire the strength and courage and determination that you all had to make it to where you are today,” Kejick says. “I have to thank the staff at Dennis Franklin Cromarty. They work so hard day in and day out, after hours ensuring the safety of all these young people.”

Kejick encouraged the graduates to continue on with their education journey in the future.

“Don’t let this be your last chapter,” Kejick says. “Keep going, be strong, continue on and let’s get to the end of this book where we have the happy ending.”

Mohawk actor and singer-song writer Cheri Maracle, the keynote speaker from Six Nations, also encouraged the students to move on to the next chapter in their lives.

“I urge you to take the time to think about it — take stock of where you are,” says Maracle, whose acting roles included Sarah Bull on Blackstone. “Think about what you have accomplished and think about where you want to go. Stop and think about where you are, and breathe and take the time to dream.”

Maracle encouraged the graduates to imagine where they want to be and to construct a plan to get there.

“I am sure there is someone in your life that has encouraged you at some point, a parent, a teacher, the staff at your school, a family friend,” Maracle says. “It’s really important to cherish those words. Anyone that has ever encouraged you and believed in you, hold those words close to your heart. And remember them forever.”

Maracle also encouraged the graduates to believe in themselves.

“There will be people who will try to get in your way, to literally derail you,” Maracle says. “It has nothing to do with you. Sometimes people are not happy with themselves so they try to take you down.”

Maracle encouraged the graduates “to just skate right past them.”

“Don’t believe them and keep your eye on the prize,” Maracle says. “And the prize is yourself, your dream. That is the most important thing in life, your dream, what you want to accomplish. Believe in yourself, and if someone says something negative, it is their stuff. Just ignore it, rise above it, and believe in yourself.”

Valedictorian Miranda Quill, from Deer Lake, plans to return to DFC again next year to prepare for her postsecondary studies.

“My years in high school were really tough at first and surprisingly this year is my best year yet, even though it is my last,” Quill says. “They say high school is supposed to be the best years of your life. That is kind of why I am coming back next year.”

Quill says she had many interesting experiences during her years at DFC.

“I went to Albuquerque, New Mexico and I hugged the Prime Minister of Canada,” Quill says.

Quill is not sure what she wants to do in the future but she is considering a career in carpentry.

“I just like to build a lot back home and I like to be outdoors and do things,” Quill says.

The graduates included: Bearskin Lake’s River Beardy; KI’s Daniel Nanokeesic; Cat Lake’s Darwin Gray and Stuart Wesley; Deer Lake’s Xavier Kakekapetum and Miranda Quill; Fort Severn’s Dakota Matthews; Kingfisher Lake’s Amy Sainnawap and Alyssa Sugarhead; Muskrat Dam’s Kristie Beardy; Poplar Hill’s Phyllis Howe; Sachigo Lake’s Carol Barkman and Migisi Munroe; and Slate Fall’s Nelson Kakegamic.

Keewaywin had six graduates: Kyle Harper, Kisha Kakegamic, Kyler Kakekagumick, River Kakekagumick, Rayne Kakekapetum and Ashley Kakepetum.

Sandy Lake had nine graduates: Juliet Aysanabee, Clarissa Crowe, Dawson Crowe, Tobi Crowe, Kenneth Kakekagumick, Julian Meekis, Dylan Linklater, Miriam Matthews and Jazlyn Meekis.
Weagamow Lake had four graduates: Autumn Chikane, Jonathan Crane, Reggina McKay and Wesley Patawanick.