Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, September 12, 2007

BAKER LAKE - The 2007 graduating class at Jonah Amitnaaq secondary school in Baker Lake included the first honourary elder graduate in school history this past month.

Jacob Ikinilik was named the first honourary elder graduate in school history at the Jonah Amitnaaq secondary school graduation ceremony in Baker Lake this past month. - photo courtesy of Craig Vincent

Principal Bill Cooper said elder Jacob Ikinilik was outfitted in full graduate attire and attended the complete graduation ceremony.

He said seeing one of Baker's most-esteemed elders take part in the ceremony was a moving experience.

"It was a beautiful ceremony made even more special by Jacob's (Ikinilik) presence," said Cooper.

"Jacob has been extremely active with Jonah Amitnaaq students through our school's cultural programming.

"That's true of both our programming in the school and our land program, which is very strong in Baker.

"Jacob has been a definite asset to this school."

Cooper said Ikinilik wasn't the only elder in the community deserving of such an honour.

But, he said, the graduates recognized Ikinilik as being a "significant contributor" to their achievements, and wanted the title of honourary graduate bestowed upon him to honour that contribution.

"That makes the honour even more meaningful when the students, themselves, select someone to receive such a distinction.

"To my knowledge, having been here for about 10 years, this marked the first time something like this has been done by our graduating class.

"It's a beautiful way to honour the generations, and the inclusion of Inuit Qaujiniajatuqangit rings so positive on so many levels that I can't see why we wouldn't continue with this distinction.

"Really, it would be a beautiful tradition to carry on at the school."

Cooper said the community, in general, was quite pleased with this year's graduation ceremony and everyone who attended seemed to be happy that Ikinilik was honoured in such a way.

"Baker Mayor David Aksawnee even got up, on the invitation of one of our dignitaries, donned the gown and joined our grads on stage.

"The theme of the event revolved around the Inukshuk theme of we've made our mark and are now on our way, type of thing.

"It was nice to see some of our community leaders are really up for supporting our graduates."