Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to comment on one subject. We had a celebration last week. There was approximately 12 graduated students last week. It’s the school of Chief Jimmy Bruneau School. Every year we’re having more and more success in graduating, which we are very proud of. Next week there will be a graduation of four students in Whati. (Translation ends)
…a very important event that just occurred last week. The Tlicho Nation celebrated a 13th high school graduation since Grade 12 became available within the region. It was certainly a huge day for the proud Tlicho Nation, Mr. Speaker. There were 25 graduates from Chief Jimmy Bruneau Regional High School in Behchoko and four graduates from Mezi School in Whati early next week. This just as the growing numbers of high school graduates; Tlicho citizens pursuing post-secondary education, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, Tlicho high schools are producing among the highest aboriginal student graduation rates in the North and are known across Canada for their achievement.
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The Tlicho leadership and staff of both schools deserve a big pat on the back. They have done a tremendous job since the inception of both high schools. With the addition of these new grads to our growing numbers of post-secondary students down south, we are proud to say that we have more than 100 students enrolled in post-secondary education, Mr. Speaker. Their dreams are being fulfilled and Tlicho Nation is watching their success with pride.
Mr. Speaker, it is our dream that one day these post-secondary students will come back to our region or even to other regions of this wonderful North that we’re living in and pursue their careers as professionals and skilled workers. We will be looking up to these talented community members and we will continue to be there to support them through their journey, Mr. Speaker. Well done, grads, this is your big day. Congratulations to you all on behalf of the Tlicho citizens. Mahsi.
---Applause
