September 2007
A
Saskatchewan community is polarized after graduation ceremonies broke down along
racial lines – one of non-aboriginal students and a second of mostly First
Nations students. In January, the 16 Grade 12 students at Leask Community
School started organizing a ceremony for their class independently from the
students who attend what is known as the Storefront program. It is an alternate
program allowing adults to return to school and earn their high school diploma.
Both programs usually hold a shared ceremony. “It got to where the native
students… wanted to come with us,” said Storefront graduate Jackie Bird, 21, who
is from Mistawasis First Nation. “All the white kids are still having their
own.”
CanWest News Service, May 7, 2007.
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