DEH GAH GOT'IE KOE/FORT PROVIDENCE - When Sheldon Minoza accepted his diploma at the Deh Gah School graduation ceremony he made history for his family.

Minoza is the first male from either side of his family to graduate from high school. Minoza, along with six other students and three adults, received their diplomas on Aug. 28 in Fort Providence.

Deh Gah School celebrated the success of its students on Aug. 28. The graduating class includes, from left, back row: Charles Canadien, Sheldon Minoza, Tyler Bonnetrouge and Cameron Sapp; front row: Allison Minoza, Destiny Thom and Rachel Constant. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

"It feels good," said Sheldon, about graduating.

Members of Sheldon's family were present to witness his achievement.

"I feel very proud and very emotional and very happy," said his mother Ruby Minoza.

Sheldon's two older brothers, who didn't finish high school, pushed him to graduate, she said.

Ruby said at times she wasn't sure Sheldon was going to meet all the requirements so she was surprised when he announced he was graduating.

"He worked very hard and I'm very proud of him," she said.

The achievements of all of the graduates were celebrated during the ceremony. They all had to overcome challenges, said Lois Philipp, the school's principal.

"Do those happy dances inside. Celebrate your accomplishments," Philipp told the students.

This was the school's eighth graduating class.

The graduates include Sheldon, Charles Canadien, Tyler Bonnetrouge, Cameron Sapp, Allison Minoza, Destiny Thom and Rachel Constant.

Adults Lee Thom, Desmond Sabourin and Michael Krutko also received their diplomas.

Philipp credited the whole community for the size of the graduating class.

"We in the community allow our students that extra time to finish," she said.

"As a community we support our graduates."

A number of guests also congratulated the graduates on their success and offered them some words of advice.

Chief Joachim Bonnetrouge urged the graduates to explore and go as far as they can but not to forget where they came from.

"You come from very special people," said Bonnetrouge.

Bonnetrouge encouraged the students to continue to learn their culture and language.

Paschalina Nadli, the mayor of the Hamlet of Fort Providence, expressed her pride in each of the graduates. They have proven hard work and commitment can help them achieve their dreams, she said.

Nadli also told the graduates they aren't finished learning.

"Education does not end when you leave school, it's just the beginning," she said.