by Arthur Milnes
Northern News Services

FORT SIMPSON (May 01/98) - They did it their way.

A special group of Aurora College students travelled to Fort Simpson last week to take part in graduation ceremonies.

And for the Community Office Procedures (COP) students, it was quite a special night.

"I now feel I can apply for jobs in management because I've taken recordkeeping, bookkeeping and computers," said graduate Matilda Antoine after the ceremony.

"I would like to thank the Fort Simpson band and my family for all their support."

Antoine was joined by Fawna Erasmus, Nancy Duntra and Shirley Bertrand Jooris is taking this important step.

The foursome spent the last year studying math, English, accounting, bookkeeping, keyboarding, computer literacy, office procedures and professional life management under the direction of instructor Leigh Burrill Doorn.

This was the second year the course has been offered in Fort Liard.

"It was an honor to work with these women," Burrill Doorn said.

"It was a mutual learning experience for both the students and myself. We challenged each other everyday to be the best we could be. I hope and expect that these women will continue to challenge one another within the community now that this course is complete."

"On behalf of the college, I would like to thank the local businesses who willingly gave their precious time and offices for the student placements. It is supportive agencies like these that will keep promoting the women of Fort Liard in business."

Burrill Doorn herself received praise from the students.

"(She) has been my greatest support during the trying times of frustration (and myself) wanting to give up," said graduate Shirley Bertrand Jooris. "I pulled through with her help, even though it was tough going for her, too."

Fawna Erasmus said she wanted to pass on her thanks to her family and the Liidlii Kue First Nation for their support.

The group from Fort Liard joined COP, Adult Basic Education and Early Childhood Education graduates from the Fort Simpson campus of Aurora College for the ceremony.