Congratulations to all the high school and post-secondary graduates of 2024. Your dedication and hard work have not only paved the way for your future, but it also inspires those who will be following in your footsteps.

Access to quality education goes beyond boosting our local economy, it’s about empowering our future leaders with confidence and skills.

All information that you have learned will be valuable as you move forward in your life. There is no such thing as useless knowledge. All educational pathways allow us to find our place and value in society. Remember that knowledge is power and how you use that knowledge will shape the future.

Through the support of the education and training programs at Qalipu First Nation, there are 110 post-secondary graduates who will be receiving their diplomas this spring and there are an estimated 96 students due to graduate following completion of the Spring/Summer semesters. During the 2023-2024 academic year there have been approximately 954 students funded for post secondary studies. These students have experienced the transformative impacts of education and have had the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

Your journey has not been without its challenges, but your perseverance and resilience have led you to this remarkable achievement. Do not be afraid to make mistakes, every mistake is a chance to learn something new and become a better version of ourselves. Our lived experiences are life’s greatest lessons.

To the graduates of 2024. We will wish you the best in your future endeavours, may it be filled with endless opportunities and the assurance that your community stands behind you as your move on to your next adventures.

We would like to offer special acknowledgement to Jerry Evans, who was honored with an Honorary degree at Memorial University’s spring convocation last week. Jerry’s incredible artwork and traditional knowledge continues to be an inspiration to us all. If you are not familiar with Jerry’s work, please visit: https://www.jerryevans.ca/