DCFN Grand Chief speaks out
Editor's note: Elected last fall, Deh Cho First Nations Grand Chief Michael Nadli has found himself with one of the busiest jobs in the Deh Cho. While his job involves overseeing the region's largest aboriginal political organization and all the work that entails, he's also found that speech-making is part of his job.
He graciously agreed to share his recent remarks on education, delivered to this year's graduating class at Aurora College, with Deh Cho Drum's readers:
I am honored to be invited to part of this evening, an important step in your personal growth. You have accomplished a goal by completing your studies for this past year. Be joyful, and most important of all, be proud because I am proud of you all.
On behalf of the Deh Cho First Nations, we present to all of you, a cake baked by Rosie Isiah for you to enjoy.
"Education is important" is a statement that I often hear when speaking to people.
Why is education important?
In today's world, education means having to learn the three R's: reading, writing and arithmetic. A common thought of education is that when you have gone through the system of education, you are expected to get a job, make a career and perhaps buy a house with your family.
In the Dene way, education means learning to live with yourself, the land and the Creator. A common thought of education these days is that when you have an education, you are expected to be a leader, work for your people, and then help build a Dene government.
My parents, with respect, are educated this way. They live the way of the land, work in teaching others by not just saying things, but actually doing things. For me, the way of my parents is helping me to understand the Dene meaning of education.
Let us remind ourselves that we have to be thankful for our parents; for their encouragement and the importance of their support.
For me, there are several schools of thought out there in the real world -- the teaching through schools and the teaching from the land through our elders.
On a reflective note, I can recall the basic beginnings of my learning. Waking up at probably -30 C, cutting wood and making kindling outside, making a fire in a woodstove so that I could ensure the cloths my mother handwashed in a scrub-tub the night before could dry. I could go to school that morning after eating bannock and drinking hot tea. I also remember so vividly the nights I had to do my homework by the light from a candle my parents and I shared.
Perhaps this is a way of sharing with you one small aspect of what commitment and sacrifice is that goes into receiving an education.
In recognizing the importance of education, the Deh Cho First Nations established five scholarships that are awarded annually. We anticipate that this year's scholarship will be available for applications and be distributed at this year's Deh Cho First Nation's assembly in Wrigley in August of 1998. We strongly encourage you to keep going and do the best you can in pursuits of higher education.
On behalf of the Deh Cho First Nations, I extend congratulations to each and everyone one of you, your families for supporting you and your teachers for helping you.
Congratulations to the class of 1998.
Mahsi Cho.
