Straight from the Heart

their own indigenous background. I attended their church services, had meals with them, and toured the areas of Campheche and also briefly visited Belize.

This has brought a special understanding in dealing with the Cree nation in particular, and the people of Calling Lake and other northern communities.

Just A Minute... A Message to Our Graduates

by Morgan Gordeyko

To the Graduating Classes of 2023:

by Sonny Rajoo

I'vehad a long standing friendship with people from the Saddle Lake Cree nation and have enjoyed my many years of conversations which also harken to my childhood memories.

Understanding various cultures should not be an obligation but an exercise in interpersonal relationships with the view to a better understanding of the viewpoints of different cultural groups.

My childhood experience with my beloved Zulu people, their virtues and their capacity to embrace children of all cultural backgrounds has taught me how love in any language comes "straight from the heart".

Fast forward to my teenage years when my best friends were the Afrikaners and we hung around doing the usual things teenagers do, and embracing their viewpoints educated me about this special group of people who first arrived in South Africa in 1652.

My student days in India exposed me to a diverse culture and the Tribal Indians of India held a special fascination for me because my own background deferred from them in so many ways.

I've often visited the Mayans of the Yucatan peninsula in southern Mexico and saw how different they were to the general Mexicans who had a Spanish heritage in addition to

I've heard of residential schools through my late, great friend and residential school survivor Alex Whiskeyjack. He taught me a lot about the Cree culture, residential schools, discrimination and their experiences as children of a "lesser God". I am profoundly proud that our province and our country is recognizing the rights of our indigenous peoples and their contribution to our great country.

Under South Africa's apartheid system, I know all too well how our vice is to focus on our differences but instead we should choose that our virtues should point out our similarities.

Over the 20 plus years in Two Hills, I was a regular visitor to Saddle Lake, made numerous friends, and attended many functions. All I ever received from this great group of people is love, understanding and meaningful social interactions.

Our lack of knowledge about each others cultures quite often leads to misunderstanding and prejudice, sometimes overt and sometimes inadvertently.

It is my hope and prayer that we all learn about each others cultural background and can say without fear of contradiction that the ore I learn about different cultural groups, the more I'm proud to be Canadian. To our indigenous community, thank you for your contributions and for paving the way so that I too can live in Canada, our home and native land.

What an amazing and significant milestone in your lives! Today marks the pinnacle of years of hard work, dedication and perseverance. As you stand on the threshold of a new chapter, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to each of you on the endless opportunities the future holds for you.

Graduation is a time of celebration, reflection and anticipation. It is a time to honour your accomplishments and acknowledge the tremendous growth you have experienced throughout your educational journey. From endless hours of studying to overcoming challenges and embracing new opportunities, you have demonstrated your ability to not only excel, but thrive as well.

This moment is not only a testament to your academic achievements but also a testament to your strength and determination. You have proven that you possess the fortitude and courage to overcome obstacles and pursue your dreams. As you move forward, remember that the skills and knowledge you have acquired will serve as the foundation for your future success.

As you embark on this next chapter in your lives, take this time to reflect on your goals and aspirations, your hopes and dreams. Set your sights high, for you have the power to make an amazing impact in the world. Embrace new experiences, step outside of your comfort zone, and never stop learning. Remember that true education extends beyond the classroom, and the journey of lifelong learning has only just begun. Along this journey, you will encounter setbacks, but please, do not let them discourage you. Each obstacle is a hidden opportunity for growth and learning. Have the grit to face these challenges head-on, for they will shape you into the resilient individuals you are meant to become.

Lastly, I encourage you to express gratitude to all those who have supported you along the way. Thank your parents, guardians, teachers, mentors and friends who have believed in you and provided guidance and encouragement. Their unwavering support has played a significant role in your success.

Congratulations once again, graduates! As you step into the world, remember that you have the power to make a difference. Hold close your passions, follow your dreams, and never stop striving for greatness. The future belongs to you, and I have no doubt that you will leave a lasting and unforgettable mark on the world.

Wishing you all nothing but success in your future endeavours. Congratulations Class of 2023!

Our Team