Paulatuk (June 02/03) - The first graduates of early child development certificate program by distance learning graduated at a ceremony in Paulatuk last Thursday.

Three students learned via telephone and the Internet on a program developed in the Yukon, administered from Fort Smith and tutored from Inuvik -- while they lived in Paulatuk.

Irene Ruben, Mary Green and Molly Ruben ran their households, the Paulatuk Aboriginal Headstart program and studied full time course load during the two-year early childhood development (ECD) program.

Patricia Davison, regional training co-ordinator for ECD, recalled some of the unique circumstances the women were faced with during the program.

Davison said one day the power went out during a conference call in the midst of a live presentation. The students were reading from their notes in the dark, while the room got steadily colder.

Sandra Beckman, co-ordinator of the ECD program for Yukon College, said the three graduates proved something to themselves as well as the college.

"This is a significant day, not just for the graduates, but for Yukon and Aurora Colleges as well," Beckman said.

Kevin Smith, Aurora College's Continuing Education co-ordinator, said the women overcame some tremendous barriers to complete the program.

"To complete this program by distance learning is a significant achievement in and of itself," Smith said. "But to do this while you're working full-time, looking after business, family, friends and community is inspirational to me."

Nellie Cournoyea, chair and CEO of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, was the key note speaker for the ceremony. She praised the grads on their hard work and also of their chosen profession.

"I don't believe there is any greater calling than having people dedicate their lives to children," Cournoyea said. "We all say that they are our future, but to have someone actually do something about it, is amazing."

"It isn't easy to run a program and educate yourself and you have to be commended for that," Cournoyea said. "We all feel proud of your efforts."

Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Liberal MP for the Western Arctic and Secretary of State for Children and Youth, said she hoped the graduates would inspire others to seek further education.

"You've given technology a new meaning for all of us here," Blondin-Andrew said.

"When we think about technology, we tend to think about things 'out there,' but the success of your achievement makes it very real to us."

"You've also given us a new meaning to what we call 'smart communities.' I think Paulatuk is a pretty smart community."

James Anderson, superintendent for the Beaufort Delta Education Council, congratulated the three college grads and paid homage to Paulatuk's lone high school graduate this year who also took part in the ceremony.

Angus Dillon attended six schools over his 12 years of education and completed his studies in Paulatuk via correspondence from Inuvik.

Anderson read from Dillon's report cards from back to Grade 5.

"Ted Kirby in Grade 8 wrote, 'Angus needs to learn to relax and that losing is not the end of the world,' " Anderson read.

Carson Atkinson, principal of Samuel Hearne, recalled Dillon's time at the Inuvik school, recounting his achievements in hockey, soccer and art.

"I know you didn't spend a lot of time in my office, so that means you weren't in much trouble at Samuel Hearne," Atkinson joked.