Derek Neary
Northern News Services

FORT SIMPSON (Jun 11/99) - The 10 graduates of Thomas Simpson secondary school were honoured at a ceremony held at the Cultural Centre in Fort Simpson on Saturday.

Valedictorian Jonathan Tsetso reflected on the close-knit environment in the small community high school.

"As a group we have learned so much from each other, just as much or more so than what we've read in text or heard in lecture," he said. "Our characters and individualism bond us to each other like links in a chain. Our TSS chain is a small reflection of our community, our region, our country and our world.

"Through the year at Thomas Simpson high school, we can all look back on our accomplishments. The dedication and hard work can be seen right here and it was all worth it. There were times of doubt, not knowing if we'd have the courage to go through with it. However, we hung in to the bitter end."

Leaders from around the Deh Cho were present to offer words of wisdom and to wish the grads all the best in the future.

"It is a special day for all of you," said Chief Yvonne Norwegian of Jean Marie River. "Don't think education stops here. You learn as you go along in the big world. Believe in yourself and in your own heart. You're someone unique. There's no limits on what you can do."

Chief Tim Lennie of Wrigley said there have been times when parents, teachers and leaders have been hard on their teenagers.

"I just want you to know we care, that's all," he said, adding that many of the grads overcame daunting hardships in order to achieve their diplomas.

Chief Ernest Cazon told the students that the Liidlii Kue First Nation is on the doorstep of attaining self-government and will require highly-educated individuals to be successful in the future.

"The only thing we ask of you is to make education your first priority," he said, reminding the students of LKFN scholarship opportunities.

Coun. Judy Kotchea, representing the Acho Dene Koe in Fort Liard, and Mayor Norm Prevost of Fort Simpson both reflected on the numerous opportunities that exist in the North for high school and college graduates.

"It is always good to see a young person succeed in school. It tells us there is hope for the future," said Kotchea, who alluded to the need for skilled workers in light of the oil and gas activity in Fort Liard.

Prevost, referring to the Building Communities Conference hosted by MACA a few months ago, said 60 per cent of the jobs that will be created in the next five years don't exist in any form today.

"So good luck in choosing a career. I don't know how you're going to do that," he joked. "But there are a lot of opportunities out there."

Deh Cho First Nations Grand Chief Michael Nadli made reference to Chief Dan George of the Squamish Nation in B.C.

George, who acted in a number of movies, is to have spoken of his vision that someday First Nations people will venture out into the world, acquire the "white man's tools" and take their rightful places in society.

Nadli also expressed gratitude to the teachers for their role.

"Thank you for the efforts that you've made to make these young products of society today," he said.

Betty Hardisty, chair of the Fort Simpson District Education Authority, said the graduates can be assured that as they leave home to pursue higher education, the support will continue from the communities in the Deh Cho.