PowWow Sponsors

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Pow-Wow Sponsors

• Thanks to our sponsors for their generous support

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• With learning comes experience and with
  experience comes wisdom. Thank-you for learning
  with the U of C and for sharing your wisdom with
  our community as you go forward. Congratulations
  and good luck from the University of Calgary.

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Nexen sees the value of education.
Congratulations to all the graduates!
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Our Elders have told us that we have an
obligation to give back to our community. Giving
back can mean understanding what matters to you,
then going out and making a difference in this
world. Lane Wells
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Old Sun Community College
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On behalf of Petro-Canada congratulations to all
graduates and wishing you all the best in your
future endeavours.
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CPR extends best wishes and congratulations to
all the graduates !
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The Native Center

• presents

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The University of Calgarys Aboriginal
Graduatesfor 2006
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Janet R. AugerM.S.W.
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Murray Bear ChiefB.Ed.
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Claudia F. BerlandB.S.W.
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Pauline BirdB.S.W.
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Delphine (MacPhail) Blackhorse B.S.W.

• "Women, young and old have a phenomenal
  connection and ability to nurture and share
  experiences and knowledge with others. I feel
  honored to get my B.S.W. at 62 yrs. young and
  encourage others to pursue their goals and
  challenges. My 1st degree was dedicated to my
  children and this degree is dedicated to my
  grandchildren."

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Crystal BlainB.A.

• Knowledge is power. Oprah Winfrey.
• Imagine being a bird in a tree, cheerfully
  jumping from one branch to another, always
  enjoying a different viewpoint. Ive come to
  understand that education is the key to my own as
  well as our peoples success. Embracing change,
  learning, and remembering where you come from
  holds the key required for positive change.

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Edith BreakerB.Ed.
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Jerilyn Breaker (Ferguson)B.Ed.
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Sharon BrerttonB.S.W.
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Lynette BruisedheadB.A. IIS
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Leo BrunoB.G.S.

• Tansi, I am a member of the Samson Cree Nation
  from Hobbema, Alberta. I plan to pursue a degree
  in environmental science as well as a degree in
  law. I have enjoyed the friendly atmosphere of
  the whole campus and I encourage aboriginal
  students to consider completing their academic
  studies here at the University of Calgary.

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Amber BuffaloB.S.W.
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Natasha Calf RobeB. Ed.
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Charlotte CardinalB.S.W.
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Bonnie Leigh ClarkeB.S.W.
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Cheryl Lynn ClarkeB.S.W.
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Christopher ClarkeM. Arch.

• Remember those who guide your path.
• Thanks to all those who have helped me during the
  last eight years, my friends and family and of
  course Matt Hickey

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Mona Crow-Melting TallowB. Ed.

• I would like to acknowledge my Lord Jesus Christ,
  I am here because of his wonderful grace and
  salvationPraise the Lord!!!
• I am a very proud Siksika Nation Member and would
  like to extend my thanks to my husband, Paul
  Melting Tallow who has been a major support in
  accomplishing my B.ED. My children, Zachariah
  and Angel who keep telling me when I will be
  finished school???
• My Mom Jessie Buller for her love and supportMy
  twin Sister, Monica Red Crow who I am so excited
  to share this celebration with since she will be
  also recognized for her B.S.W.
• I would like to encourage all first Nations to
  continue to strive for their education, You are
  never too old to go back to school.
• Thanks to my family and friends for their
  support.

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Ian CunninghamB.S.W.
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Lena CutknifeB.S.W.
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Alycia DowsettB.G.S.

• Tansi and hello! My name is Alycia Dowsett, and
  it seems my blood lines came from all over the
  map. My dad is a Plains Cree from the Mistawsis
  First Nation reserve in Saskatchewan. My mum is a
  Canadian from Swedish, Métis and French blood. I
  decided to continue my post-secondary training
  after having a dream about teaching younger
  children. I looked into a few options to
  obtaining my Bachelor of Education degree, and
  the University of Calgary was the way to go. I
  first applied to the General Studies program in
  2002, and was accepted. I am very proud of myself
  for earning my degree while continuing my life I
  got married, and gave birth to our first baby,
  our dear daughter Skyla Viola. I have now
  transitioned into the next step of my dream. I
  have been accepted into the Master of Teaching
  program at the University, hooray! Hopefully you
  will see me again in 2 years with a few more
  letters behind my name.
• I am eternally grateful for the Native Centre
  here at the U of C. I have made some very dear
  friends who will be here for me for the rest of
  my life. It was great being able to connect with
  so many other people, whether they were Inuit,
  Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, or dual-blooded just like
  me. Variety is the spice of life! The potlucks,
  Pow Wows, conversations, and naps in the Red
  Lodge are some of my favorite memories here.

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Marna EastonB. Nurs
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Kerri Lynn FisherB.S.W.
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Ramona FisherB.S.W.
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Harold FlemmingB.A.
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Tania FoxB. ComRehab
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Susan D. GollB.S.W.
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Ryan FrankeB.A.
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Amanda Lee GonetB.S.W.
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Latisha Hewton-BackfatB.Sc. Bio Sciences

• My dream to become a doctor has officially become
  reality as I head off to medical school in the
  fall. I have so many people to thank for
  believing in me, encouraging me and inspiring me,
  my Mom, Dad, all my sisters, my boyfriend, my
  grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, my nieces,
  my nephew and my friends. Thank you God for
  blessing me with so much.
• Now words of advice for continuing students Turn
  off your cell phone during lecture and try and
  stay awake! But most importantly believe in
  yourself.

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Mathew HickeyM. Arch

• Tomorrow is built on yesterday!
• Thank-you to all my friends and family for their
  support, love and encouragement over the past
  eight years.

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Connie JohnsonB.S.W.
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Virginia JohnsonB.S.W.
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Miles JolliffeB. Sc.
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Catherine KennedyB.S.W.
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Jason LepineB.A.
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Brittanee LaverdureB.A. IIS

• Brittanee is originally from Watson Lake, Yukon,
  and is member of the Wolf Clan from the Kaska
  Nation. Brittanee found her studies most
  fulfilling. During her time at the university
  Brittanee was also the captain of the University
  of Calgary Varsity Wrestling Team and was
  recently was awarded the University of Calgary
  Athlete of the Year award the first female
  wrestler to ever receive this recognition.
  Brittanee is also a member of the Canadian
  National Team representing Canada at numerous
  international competitions which she hopes will
  one day lead her to Beijing for the 2008
  Olympics. In addition to the athletic awards and
  goals Brittanee was named an Academic
  All-Canadian and she plans to go to law school,
  focusing on environmental law, and then return to
  the north to help her community.

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Sherri Liddle, B.F.A .Alumni 1992

• Sherri graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts
  Degree in 1992 and then completed a Business
  Administration Diploma from SAIT in 1994.
  Initially, her career plans were to run her own
  art gallery but life took her in a different
  direction. She previously worked at RBC and at
  the Aboriginal Career and Employment Centre, but
  she now works for the City of Calgary Youth
  Employment Centre where she has been employed as
  an Aboriginal Youth Outreach Worker for the past
  7 years. She loves working in the Aboriginal
  community and has met many great people whom she
  admires for their passion and dedication to the
  progress and success of Aboriginal people. At
  some point, she would like to pursue a Masters of
  Business Administration (MBA) but not sure when
  that will happen right now. Sherri is a member
  of the Bigstone Cree Nation..

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Denise Low HornB.G.S.
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Candice L. McCleanB.S.W.
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Stacey Mee B. Ed.

• My long journey has finally ended and led me into
  the start of a new one. Through the U of C
  teaching program, I have had the opportunity to
  meet many people and have an array of
  experiences. The most profound would be my
  practicum placement at James Fowler High School.
  Here I discovered that as a teacher I have the
  position to make a difference. All children are
  worth the effort and one smile can make someones
  day.

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Marlaine MetchewaisB.S.W.

• Originally from Cold Lake First Nations but
  residing in Calgary, AB. I have been blessed with
  two wonderful boys named Aaron and Ashton who I
  adore. Having my boys in my life has been and
  continues to be such a joyful and pleasant
  experience. Throughout my school years they have
  been so understanding, lkoving and caring which
  makes my life peaceful.
• I have also been blessed with my immediate family
  from Cold Lake First Nations and a family that
  adopted me from Tsuu Tina. Both families have
  been wonderful and their love and support mean so
  much to me. My school years have been such a
  roller coater ride but each day was a new
  learning experience. I have learned so much about
  myself and where I want to be in life. I remember
  my first class and being the only native out of
  about 200 students and how intimidating it was.
  By that next class, that intimidation had totally
  disappeared because I knew that I belonged in
  this university and I refused to be intimidated.
  From that day on I never looked back. Now that I
  have completed my degree I am able to glance
  back, recognize my accomplishments and continue
  to move forward with my life and new career.
• Thank you God for everything youve blessed me
  with and everything you will continue to bless me
  with.

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Louise MindeB.S.W.

• Oki! Making the decision of going to school takes
  a lot of determination and will. You also make
  many sacrifices and do a lot of hard work. You go
  through your ups and downs, but it ends up being
  worth your while. You only live once and it is
  never too late do anything. I am thankful to
  everyone who believed in me. I leave you with
  these words, You can do anything you set your
  mind to do!
• May our creator guide you always!

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Kristi Dawn MurphyB.S.W.
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Cynthia Nelson DumontB.S.W.
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Harriet North PeiganB.S.W.
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Phyllis NorthwestB.S.W.
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Aylmer OkaB.S.W.
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Carla OsborneB.Sc. Arch

• I moved to Calgary in late 2000 after dealing
  with a lot of adversity over the previous two
  years. That adversity convinced me that life is
  too short to be struggling along in work I
  couldn't stand, so I went back to university in
  order to follow a career path I had dreamed of
  and have already found far more rewarding in
  archaeology. One thing working for this degree
  has taught me is that it is far easier to persist
  despite obstacles and problems when you love what
  you're doing.

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Bonnie ParidaenB.S.W.

• "When we find the door of opportunity closed we
  must remember to gaze at the beauty of hope
  through the window".

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Lorraine PoitrasB.S.W.
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Dixie RawlinsonB.S.W.
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Monica Red CrowB.S.W., R.S.W.

• Oki Im from Siksika Nation and My late
  Grandparents are Jack Ellen Winnipeg of Siksika
  Nation and Jim Ada Red Crow of the Blood Tribe.
  My late Great Grandma is Mary Paula Black Water
  of the Blood Tribe. My parents are James (Willy)
  Jessie. I have 5 Children that I am very proud
  of Cherri Beth, Nina Antonia, Timothy Derland,
  Lisa Anne and Solomon Adin. I have one grandson
  that is my dodo (baby) named Tristin Tyler Black.
  I am also very proud of my nieces and nephews and
  their children.
• I have to say a big THANKS to my Twin sister Mona
  Crowe-Melting Tallow. She is my role model and
  also my encourager, she always seen my potential.
  Thanks to all the Elders and adopted families,
  family, friends, coworkers, peer and the
  instructors.
• Without all of your support and encouragement, I
  would not have been able to be where I am today.
  Bachelor of Social Work from the University of
  Calgary Access Program

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Velma Red CrowB.S.W.

• Velma entered the education process in 2000 for
  upgrading after 25 years of working various jobs
  on the Blood Reserve. 2003-2004 entered the
  Bachelor of Social Work program through the
  University of Calgary Access division, completing
  the BSW program 2006 and pursuing the Masters in
  Social Work 2007 also through the University of
  Calgary. Her family consists of Godfrey her
  spouse and three children, Mylon, Christy and
  Godfrey Jace, three grandchildren who are all
  very proud of their mother and grandmother. I
  couldnt be there to congratulate my mother, but
  I want her to know that she is my inspiration and
  mentor and I am very proud and hope to soon
  follow in her footsteps, she has encountered a
  number of trials and hardships throughout her
  program and completed with honors,
  congratulations Mom, love Christy!

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Cash RoweM.A. Sociology

• "When preparing water, take care to dip your
  bucket into the flow of a moving stream."
• Adapted from a discussion with an elder conducted
  by Marlene Brant Castellano's

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Evelyn ScoutB.S.W.

• My experience with the offsite Red Crow Access
  Division program was most rewarding. What made
  the program unique was that learning was combined
  with our culture. Learning about culture opened
  my eyes it was a reality check.
• I would encourage our people to take this program
  with access division, it will change their lives.

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Rose Ann ScoutB.S.W.

• Rose Ann is from the Blood Reserve. She is
  married to Justin Yellow Horn and they have 4
  children. She works with the Blood Tribe Social
  Development program as a caseworker. She is
  pursuing a M.S.W. and hopes to make changes for
  all First Nations People.

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Tanya V. ShawB.S.W.
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Holly SolwayB.S.W.

• Oki, my name is Holly Solway and I am from the
  Siksika Nation. I am 26 years old and the mother
  of a wonderful 4 year old girl. I am graduating
  from the Faculty of Social Work with my BSW. It
  has been a long journey and I am very proud to
  have come this far in furthering my education. I
  would like to thank my family and friends for all
  the support and encouragement they have given me
  throughout the past several years.

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Simone Soop-TallmanB.S.W.

• Oki my name is Simone Soop-Tallman I am member of
  the Blood Reserve.  My parents are the late
  Oliver Soop and Marilyn Gray.  I am married to
  Dale Tallman and have three wonderful boys Darby,
  Brandon and Wade.  I completed my Bachelor of
  Social Work degree spring 2005. My education has
  definitely opened doors for me, it wasnt easy
  but with the support of my family, I completed my
  degree.  I am currently working for Central
  Alberta Childrens Services in Wetaskiwin, as a
  caseworker.  I have 8 years experience in the
  human service field working also in Southern
  Alberta, with youth and families. I want to
  pursue my Masters degree within the next year
  and would like to change my field of work to a
  career in the counseling field.  I thank the
  creator everyday for giving me such a wonderful
  family and a chance to help others with the
  skills I have learned throughout the years.

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Mary Anne Spring ChiefB. Ed/ElemGen
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Bryce StarlightB.A. PoliSci
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Sharon StevensB. Ed.
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Amanda SuttonB.A. PoliSci
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Steve Vaivada B.Sc. CivEng.

• I am originally from High River, AB, by way of
  Sherwood Park, AB. In 2000 I started my degree
  with aspirations of multiple degrees and massive
  paycheques for all my effort. During my time at
  the U of C I have come to rethink my degree and
  what it means to me. I have learned so much here,
  but most of it was outside the walls of this
  institute. If I could redo it all without the
  mistakes and missteps that made a four-year
  program a six-year journey I wouldn't change a
  thing. Humility and aspiring to improve yourself
  in the face of adversity were my most valuable
  lessons.
• During my time at the U of C I was involved with
  the Aboriginal Recruitment committee for the
  faculty of Engineering where we established some
  guaranteed spots for native students and made
  some headway towards understanding and improving
  the enrolment of native students. I was also a
  part of establishing CASTS on the U of C, and
  with the help of the great individuals involved I
  hope it will persist in my absence. I would like
  to thank everyone that helped me on this great
  journey and to let them know that they will
  always exist in me as I exist in them. Never give
  up, never stop trying and you will never lose in
  your heart or in life.
• Let's change the world, be different.

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Colleen S. VenneB.S.W.
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Natasha WaterchiefB. Ed.
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Aura Fawn WillierB.S.W.
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Chandra WinnipegB. Ed.
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Terry WillistonB.A. PoliSci
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Sarah Wostenberg B.F.A.

• My Blackfoot name is Oyiikatsii The above below
  average lesson that I have learned from the
  University of Calgary is how to ignore better
  than you people. Humans as defined by
  philosopher Kant helped me to survive in school.
  By removing emotions, it helped me to ignore
  clichés, popular opinions and bad attitudes.

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Lucille WrightB. Ed.
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Pearl Yellow Old Woman B.Ed.
ATSIMOIKAN AYO APISTOTOKI Ispomokinnaan
Nahkayistsiyisinnaan Nahkaikimotsiyisinnaan
Nahkayikakimahsinnaan Nahkokamotohsinnaan
Nahkawatoyiitaksinnaan Ohtokinnaan, Apistotoki
Kimmis Kokosiks Iksikimmatapsiya Kaamotanni
Niistawatsimanni Naapiiosini
SIKSIKA PRAYER CREATOR Help us To listen To
be kind to one another To try hard To be honest
To be spiritual Hear us Creator Have pity on
your children They are in need Grant us safety
Help us raise our families So that they may
live long lives
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Angela YoungM.S.W.

• Angela Young
• Umba-wath-tich (Good Day)
• I am a Stoney woman and I am proud of both my
  Stoney heritage, and my ability to speak the
  Stoney language fluently. This is the base that
  makes me the person I am today as I journey
  through life always striving to be the best I can
  be.
• Attending post secondary was a challenging and
  yet a very personally rewarding experience.
  While I was building professional knowledge and
  skills to be competitive in the work force, I was
  also going through endless personal discovery.
  Although the Masters program was quite intense, I
  enjoyed it because I had to exert myself at a
  different depth of learning, skill development,
  and personal growth.
• I just want to extend encouragement to
  prospective, new, and continuing students. When
  I first went back to school as an adult learner,
  I always remembered a quote made by one of first
  Indigenous people of Canada to participate at the
  Olympics, Alwin Moris, If you have it in you to
  dream, you have it in you to succeed. Whether
  it is in sports, academia, or whatever, anyone
  can realize their dreams once you set your goals,
  and with determination, commitment, and
  discipline.
• I know that this is not the end of my learning
  journey. I would say that I am a life long
  learner, and that I would be back at University
  to take my academic achievements to new heights.
• Ho-chee-ma-chuch (see ya later)

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From the Left (Our first day of class) Murray
Bear Chief, Edith Breaker, Sharon Stevens,
Natasha Waterchief, Mary-ann Spring Chief,
Lucille Wright, Jerilynn Breaker, Pearl Yellow
Old Woman, Natasha Calf Robe-Ayoungman, Chandra
Winnipeg, Mona Crowe-Melting Tallow

• Master of Teaching Program (B. Ed.) Siksika
  Nation graduates 2006.
• We the students would like to recognize our
  family and friends for their support in our
  2-year program.
• We would like to also recognize Old Sun Community
  College, Post Secondary Student Support Program
  for having the MT program at Siksika Nation.
  Thank you, Amelia Crowfoot-Clark, Cheryl Solway,
  Fritzi Woods, Lesley Stimson, Lorelee Waterchief,
  Darlene Breaker and the rest of the staff at Old
  Sun Community College.
• Thanks to our dedicated Instructors Dr. Gail
  Jardine, Rev. Mervin Wolfleg, Ross Hunter, Dr.
  Jacqueline Ottmann as well as guest speakers.
• Thanks to Siksika Board of Education who gave us
  an opportunity to do our practicum at Chief Old
  Sun Elementary School and Crowfoot Elementary
  School. Thanks also to our partner teachers
• Thanks to The University of Calgary for bringing
  the MT program to Siksika Nation