Fort Providence (June 20/03) - To the sound of recorded Dene drums, nine proud little graduates filed through some streamers hanging in the doorway.

Decked out in golden caps and gowns, the youngsters waved and smiled at their parents and other family members as they made their way to the stage on June 13.

Joyce Villeneuve recalled how some parents were hesitant to leave their children with "strangers" at the Aboriginal Head Start pre-school program in 2001.

"Now look at them," Villeneuve, coordinator of the program, said gesturing toward the tykes, "they're confident."

Bobby-Lynn Matto, one of the exuberant four-year-old grads, said she went to pre-school to play, do homework and learn Slavey words.

"I graduated. I'm going to the big school," she said of her transition to Kindergarten at Deh Gah elementary come September.

Parent Wilma Field was ready to give a testimonial.

"The pre-school has really nurtured and encouraged our children. They've learned a lot," she said. "I'm really thankful to the pre-school for all they have done."

Addressing the crowd, fellow parent Les Philipp jokingly apologized to pre-school staff for repeatedly forgetting to pick up his daughter.

Getting serious, he said the program has really given the kids a head start due to its structured classroom environment and its social setting.

Three of his four children have completed the program -- the fourth is still too young to enroll.

Although they are not aboriginal, his youngsters benefitted greatly from the formal lessons and the cultural ones, he said.

"The children learn that no matter where you come from, other kids are just like you," said Philipp, who grew up in Fort Providence. "To plant the idea of equality and respect at this age is a rare privilege."

He said he gives the program an A+.

"I want to thank them for providing the cheerful and positive place they provide our children, especially at this very important stage in their growth."