A Message From Principal Whitehawk

Anin Sikwa Crystal nitisinikas, Treaty 4 Keeseekoose skonikanink nitonsay.

As we approach a new hybrid school year, I begin to reflect on the past ten months and a feeling of excitement and urgency wells up in my chest. We are living in a time of Covid-19 pandemic and must adjust how we teach our students because safety is a priority.

First Nations People throughout our country are being faced with an ever-increasing challenge and it stirs a feeling of excitement and optimism within me. Many years ago, our former Principal, Richard Fiddler quoted, “When you own a part of something you work much harder and care more,” brings into focus exactly what is happening here right now at Keeseekoose Chiefs Education Centre. “Gone are the days when we can point an accusing finger at the systems around us, we are in control of our education and our destiny” (another quote by Richard Fiddler). We are rising to the challenge and we are finding our way though technology, we are adjusting to technology and using it to the best of our abilities to educate our Children. Being part of a Community School and a Band member is exciting and a challenging position to be in, in 2020.

Education and technology are tools that are important to propel our people forward. Our community school has acquired its own domain, @kcec-sask.ca. A School web site is being developed to meet online demands, such as, registration, announcements, and events happening in the future. To meet the educations needs of the students the school has purchased; iPad for Pre-k, Kindergarten, and grade 1. Chromebooks for Grades 4 to grade 9 and Laptops for grades 10/11/12. Online curriculum has been purchased that are connected to Saskatchewan Curriculum. To help meets all the new demands of virtual teaching New laptops and Smart Boards have been purchased for teacher classrooms. Our school is finally stepping into the cyber world of technology.

Our greatest resource is our children. It is an exciting future for our people as we rise to meet the challenge of developing our First Nation People on our First Nations across our land. I continue to foresee the day when we will continue to produce more Lawyers, Doctors, RCMP Constables, Computer Technologist, lab Technicians, Teachers, Nurses, Business, Administrators of Education, Psychologists and many of the other professions.

To achieve this, we as First Nations People must continue to take education seriously, pick up technology advantages that are offered to us, lets keep up with the rest of the world, lets become experts in our fields that we will become like our neighbours, but still be the First Nations people we are.

As a parent, grandparent, and teacher I urge you to encourage, motivate your child to a better brighter future as we begin to take our rightful place as we implement the true spirit and intent of the Treaties.

Yours in Education,

Mrs. Crystal Whitehawk, Principal