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SKC graduates take next step in their educational process: Life

By B.L. Azure

War Dance Chief Octave Finley and Linda King led the SKC graduates procession Saturday. (B.L. Azure photo)

PABLO — The bleachers of the Joe McDonald Health and Activities Center were packed with hundreds and hundreds of well-wishers Saturday at the Salish Kootenai College graduation ceremonies. It was the second year that SKC graduates used the facility that in many ways has become the public face of the college. Since it opened last year a wide variety of area community groups and organizations have used it for various endeavors. But on Saturday it was the educational endeavors on nearly 100 SKC graduates that took center stage.

Democrat State Senator Carol Juneau was awarded a SKC honorary degree for her work in education and the political arena. (B.L. Azure photo)

In his welcoming remarks, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Councilmen Steve Lozar, who recently turned 60 years old, said he recalls the days in the not-too-distant past when Indians receiving 8th grade graduation diplomas was the big educational accomplishment in their lives and their families.

“We’d celebrated that,” he said, adding that high school graduations in Indian Country began to pick up over time to become routine. Then Indian high school graduates began to look to post secondary education - a dream realized by a few at first then reality for countless others as time passed. “Now we celebrate college graduation. Things have changed for the good.”

SKC graduate Vincent Parazoo is presented with a Bachelor of Social Work degree by Patty Stevens. (B.L. Azure photo)

Lozar said a college education is a metamorphic process, what goes in is not the same as what comes out. He said he witnessed that once again this past school year when he observed the transformation of a young SKC student from a shy introvert to an extroverted confident look-you-in-the-eyes young man in charge of his destiny. Education was the key that unlocked the doors of opportunity for the student and changed him.

“Salish Kootenai College is life changing,” he said, adding that Indian leaders are always needed in Indian Country and locally one of the tribal leaders has passed away, Thomas “Bearhead” Swaney.

Salish Kootenai College graduates received a lot of hugs, hand shakes and well wishes to go along with their diplomas Saturday. (B.L. Azure photo)

“We are somewhat less because of Bearhead’s passing. He was a leader that put many of the things we see here and across the country in motion,” Lozar said. “There are new challenges in Indian Country; it’s time for you to step up. You are leaders. We address our challenges with strong leadership. Never ever give up your values. Never ever give up your principles. Your challenge today is to be a leader.”

SKC Student Body President Angie Bush in her student address praised the graduates for inspiring her to complete her studies at SKC and graduate with the key - a degree - to her future.

In her keynote address, State Senator Carol Williams (D-Missoula) told the graduates their educational process didn’t halt when they were handed their diplomas. It was, she said in many ways another beginning not the end of their education.

Williams, wife of former U.S. Congressional Representative Pat Williams, praised the American education system that is available for all its citizens. And a well-educated and well-informed public is vital to a strong democracy.

SKC President Dr. Joe McDonald presented Adele Durgeloh with her Associate of Arts degree in Native American Studies while a smiling Patty Stevens looks on. (B.L. Azure photo)

Curiosity may have killed the cat but human curiosity has led to great discoveries and public education. That public education got the graduates to the precipice of their futures with a clearer vision of their destinies. “You have opportunities and challenges your mothers and dads never dreamed of,” Williams said. “You can both change the world and make history. The time is right and it starts now.”

Williams praised the work of fellow state senator, Carol Juneau of Browning, who along with Barb Durglo of St. Ignatius, were awarded honorary degrees for their work in education and cultural awareness respectively.

Cody Haynes was a tad happy after receiving his certificate of graduation from the SKC high way construction program. (B.L. Azure photo)

SKC faculty member Cindy O’Dell was recognized as the 2009 Teacher of the Year. She thanked the SKC administration and the board of directors for their support of quality education at the college.

The 91 graduates received bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees and certificates of completion in one or more of 27 disciplines.

“You are just now putting your foot through the door of real life,” Alec Quequesah told the students before his invocation. “Now you’ll have to look for a real job.”