First Nations University students, staff and alumni are gathering today in the atrium to celebrate this amazing milestone together, and we wish every one of them our very best. My own first visit was to SIFC (Saskatchewan Indian Federated College) was in the mid-1980s. I was lovingly greeted by Elders Ahab and Bette Spence, who even snuck me into a powwow organization meeting. I’m pretty sure I met Solomon Ratt that trip. My relationships there with fellow Cree language warriors are every bit as precious to me today, as I send all the very best wishes of the Cree Literacy Network.
If you’re quick, you can probably still catch some of the live feed on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1632790261267415/ (I sure hope it’s archived on YouTube, or somewhere accessible!)
Thanks to UofA colleagues, I have been offered a beautiful thought to share here, translated into Cree. I hope it is received as tribute to all the good things that have happened educationally, culturally and socially – and that continue to happen – in that beautiful location in oskana kâ-asastêki (Regina).
sâkihtâ kîkway kâ-kiskinohamâkeyan, mâka sâkih ana ayiwâk kâ- kiskinohamawat
ᓵᑭᐦᑖ ᑮᑿᐩ ᑳ ᑭᐢᑭᓄᐦᐊᒫᑫᔭᐣ, ᒫᑲ ᓵᑭᐦ ᐊᓇ ᐊᔨᐚᐠ ᑳ- ᑭᐢᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᐘᐟ
“Love what you teach, but love who you teach more”
Roberta Alook, a Cree student at University of Alberta brought the quote to her teacher, University of Alberta professor Dorothy Thunder for translation. It is shared here with their permission. It is quoted from “Dear Teacher” by Brad Johnson. (I’m hoping that audio from either Roberta or Dorothy can soon be added, so we can make this a special-occasion readalong!)
To FNU: Long may your ripples spread!
(I’ve stolen a couple of Solomon Ratt’s photos (with thanks!) that capture a moment at the big event. I’m pleased that I even recognize the backs of several heads!)
