Primary Country (Mandatory)

United States

Other Country (Optional)

Set News Language for United States

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language[s] (Optional)
No other language available

Set News Language for World

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language(s) (Optional)

Set News Source for United States

Primary Source (Mandatory)
CNN
Other Source[s] (Optional)

Set News Source for World

Primary Source (Mandatory)
AajTak
Other Source(s) (Optional)
  • Countries
    • India
    • United States
    • Qatar
    • Germany
    • China
    • Canada
    • World
  • Categories
    • National
    • International
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Special
    • All Categories
  • Available Languages for United States
    • English
  • All Languages
    • English
    • Hindi
    • Arabic
    • German
    • Chinese
    • French
  • Sources
    • India
      • AajTak
      • NDTV India
      • The Hindu
      • India Today
      • Zee News
      • NDTV
      • BBC
      • The Wire
      • News18
      • News 24
      • The Quint
      • ABP News
      • Zee News
      • News 24
    • United States
      • CNN
      • Fox News
      • Al Jazeera
      • CBSN
      • NY Post
      • Voice of America
      • The New York Times
      • HuffPost
      • ABC News
      • Newsy
    • Qatar
      • Al Jazeera
      • Al Arab
      • The Peninsula
      • Gulf Times
      • Al Sharq
      • Qatar Tribune
      • Al Raya
      • Lusail
    • Germany
      • DW
      • ZDF
      • ProSieben
      • RTL
      • n-tv
      • Die Welt
      • Süddeutsche Zeitung
      • Frankfurter Rundschau
    • China
      • China Daily
      • BBC
      • The New York Times
      • Voice of America
      • Beijing Daily
      • The Epoch Times
      • Ta Kung Pao
      • Xinmin Evening News
    • Canada
      • CBC
      • Radio-Canada
      • CTV
      • TVA Nouvelles
      • Le Journal de Montréal
      • Global News
      • BNN Bloomberg
      • Métro
Ankle Resistance Bands for Booty Workouts Buy Now
Hoowel Smart Watch for Men and Women Buy Now
Retractable 3A Multi Charging Cord Buy Now
The Psychology of Money Buy Now
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix Buy Now
Gold Bracelets for Women Buy Now
OLCHEE Women’s Workout Sets 2 Piece Buy Now
Aldo Legoirii Tote Buy Now
Ayieyill Corduroy Tote Bag for Women Buy Now
Hisense 40-Inch Google Smart TV Buy Now
Spray Screen Cleaner Kit with Microfiber Cloth Buy Now
Minimalist Fashion Simple Wrist Watch Buy Now
Anne Klein Bracelet Watch Buy Now
VIZIO 40 inch Smart TV (VFD40M-08) Buy Now
TNZZEET Leggings - High-Waisted Yoga Pants with Pockets Buy Now
RUNBOX Slim RFID Leather Wallet Buy Now
See-Through Beach Floral Maxi Skirts Buy Now
Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids Set Buy Now
Wildpier Dermaplaning Tool Buy Now
Men's Slim Fit One Button Blazer Buy Now
Ankle Resistance Bands for Booty Workouts Buy Now
Hoowel Smart Watch for Men and Women Buy Now
Retractable 3A Multi Charging Cord Buy Now
The Psychology of Money Buy Now
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix Buy Now
Gold Bracelets for Women Buy Now
OLCHEE Women’s Workout Sets 2 Piece Buy Now
Aldo Legoirii Tote Buy Now
Ayieyill Corduroy Tote Bag for Women Buy Now
Hisense 40-Inch Google Smart TV Buy Now
MoreBack to News Headlines
Driftpile Cree Nation in Alberta celebrates 1st high school students to graduate locally in over 20 years

Driftpile Cree Nation in Alberta celebrates 1st high school students to graduate locally in over 20 years

CBC
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 9:51 AM GMT

For the first time in two decades, residents of Driftpile Cree Nation in northwestern Alberta are celebrating the graduation of high school students who earned their diplomas in the community. 

Kyra Giroux, 17, says it's both exciting and "a lot of pressure" to be one of the two graduates to make up Mihtatakaw Sipiy School's first graduating class since the First Nation stopped offering senior grades in the community because of declining enrolment in the 1990s. 

Long determined to bring back its high school program so students wouldn't have to travel to other communities classes, Driftpile finally did so last year amid pandemic-related concerns around sending children out of the nation. And on Saturday, the community was able to celebrate that decision, when dozens turned out at an event to congratulate the graduates  — Kali Cunningham and Kyra — for their achievements.  

"It's something that the people wanted and we wanted," said Chief Dwayne Laboucan about Driftpile's high school program. "We said, 'We need to start teaching our own kids our own culture.'"

By remaining in Driftpile  — which is about 320 kilometres northwest of Edmonton — throughout high school, he said, students can complete an education that includes acquiring traditional knowledge, such as tanning hides and speaking Cree.

"I would've liked to learn more about my culture," said Laboucan, who attended Mihtatakaw Sipiy as a young student, then finished his diploma at high school in High Prairie, almost 50 kilometres away.

"I kind of lost that [cultural education] when I went off the nation." 

The high school program resumed last October under the guidance of then-principal Tedmann Onyango, who is now education director. 

Onyango said the community's desire to bring back the high school was fast-tracked by growing worry in the community about sending children to school out of the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lessons for the high school grades are offered online and in-class. Students have the option of coming into the school to work with teachers or they can work from home, Onyango said.

The Class of 2022, Onyango said, will likely have five to seven people.

Jonathan Giroux, who is a Driftpile councillor and Kyra's father, said he was among the last students to graduate from Mihtatakaw Sipiy School in the class of 1998.

"It's pretty surreal," he said about the gap between the graduating classes.  

Unlike Laboucan, Giroux did most of his schooling in High Prairie, before he switched to Mihtatakaw Sipiy to graduate. 

Read full story on CBC
Share this story on:-
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running GamePlay Run 3, the ultimate space tunnel running game with 300+ challenging levels!Adv.
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing GameTraffic Jam 3D is a game where you’ll be driving through heavy traffic.Adv.
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic GamePlay the classic 1984 light gun shooter game Duck Hunt on your browser.Adv.
More Related News
Peguis First Nation uses its disaster expertise to help northern Manitoba fire evacuees

When news broke that a massive evacuation was needed to protect people from wildfire, Peguis First Nation stepped up. 

In the centre of Ontario's drug crisis, Fort William First Nation fights for new facility

After declaring a state of emergency over its toxic drug crisis last summer, Fort William First Nation hasn't stopped advocating for more resources for its members.

Government accountability watchdog calls for end to free concert tickets for city councillors

A democracy watchdog is questioning the practice of municipal governments receiving free tickets to events hosted at public venues, following a CBC News investigation.

Premiers seem cautiously optimistic as they prepare to pitch major projects to Carney

There was cautious optimism in the air as provincial and territorial premiers began arriving in Saskatoon to meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Black hiker calls on others to join him on walk to northern end of the Underground Railway

For years, Ken Johnston has hiked Black heritage trails across the U.S., retracing the steps of civil rights pioneers and the freedom seekers who fled slavery and made the long journey north.

Making sense of some of the evidence in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial

WARNING: This article references sexual assault and may affect those who have experienced​ ​​​sexual violence or know someone impacted by it.

Cartoonist brings Labrador childhood to life in 'visual memoir'

An artist is putting pen to paper to revive his boyhood memories of growing up in Labrador, filled with berry picking, firefighting and hijacking.

Exhaustion sets in as search for N.S. kids approaches 1 month

Almost a month into the search for two missing Pictou County children, searchers are beginning to wear out mentally and physically.

Pimicikamak Cree Nation wildfire evacuees to sleep in warm beds at Ontario hotel Sunday

Dozens of wildfire evacuees from Pimicikamak Cree Nation checked into a hotel in Niagara Falls, Ont., on Sunday after days spent without sleep in a Winnipeg evacuation centre. 

Wildfires have forced 4,500 Albertans from home as of Sunday: AEMA

Yellowhead County Mayor Wade Williams took a moment Sunday morning to express gratitude to some of his constituents.

No relief in sight from wildfires as 20 Sask. communities under evacuation orders

Wildfires in Saskatchewan are expected to continue to grow aggressively during the next few days, fuelled by high temperatures, winds and dry conditions. And there's no sign of relief in sight, according to the latest update from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency.

Bell Canada to launch 6 AI data centres in B.C.

Telecom giant Bell Canada has announced plans to build six artificial intelligence data centres in B.C.

Ontario, Saskatchewan sign deal to reduce trade barriers, improve labour flow

Amid economic uncertainty in Canada due in part to U.S. tariffs, the governments of Ontario and Saskatchewan have reached an agreement with the aim of taking steps to reduce trade barriers between the two provinces.

Parking Slot | Free Parking GamePlay Parking Slot, the best online 3D car driving and parking game.Adv.
Slope Ball Run - Play OnlineSlope Game takes you on an exciting journey of a ball on special paths.Adv.
Ford government to limit debate on controversial Bill 5, among other legislation

Ontario Premier Doug Ford's government is moving to shut down debate on its most controversial piece of legislation this session, one of a plethora of bills getting the fast-track treatment before the legislature rises for a summer break.

Flin Flon wildfire situation 'a timebomb' but so far no structures lost, mayor says

The wildfire gnawing at the edge of Flin Flon is being fought by some 200 firefighters, but the battle is really in the hands of Mother Nature, the mayor says. 

It's Pride Month. Here's what drag performers in St. John's are thinking about

On the first day of Pride Month, Quidi Vidi Brewery in St. John's was filled with rainbow flags, loud pop music and dancing drag performers during its brunch hour.

Dentists praise Canadian Dental Care program, but also express concern over influx of new patients

A northern Ontario dentist says the Canadian Dental Care Plan has generally been positive, but he worries it could cause issues meeting higher demand for dental care over the long term.

Hospital alleges its floors aren't flat, files $100M lawsuit against builder

Humber River Health is suing the consortium contracted to build and maintain its Toronto hospital for $100 million, alleging that negligent design and construction is creating health and safety problems for patients and staff.

1 exam, 50% of final grade. Students say Quebec must follow rest of Canada and change 'unfair' system

As students across the province get ready to write their ministerial exams, the pressure is high — and so are the stakes.

What to expect from the first ministers' conference in Saskatoon

When premiers from across the country gather with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday in Saskatoon, it will be a historic day for the province. 

P.E.I. pitches 7 'nation-building' projects to Ottawa at first ministers' conference

P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz is pitching seven so-called "nation-building" projects at the first ministers' conference in Saskatoon on Monday.

Alberta developer faces Consumer Protection Act charges over return of life lease fees

The head of an Edmonton property development company that owes hundreds of seniors money from life lease contracts is now facing charges under Alberta's Consumer Protection Act.

Hamilton non-profit marks 5 years of support for Black-owned businesses, hopes to make bigger impact

A non-profit organization that supports Black-owned businesses in the Hamilton area celebrates its fifth anniversary this week, and one of its leaders said the group wants to make an even bigger impact in Ontario and Canada.

Cops search for suspect after they say man was stabbed, robbed in Windsor alley

Windsor police are looking for a male suspect after they say another man was stabbed and robbed in an alleyway in the city's downtown.

From outbreaks to mass casualty events, Alberta's health system preps for G7 summit

Alberta's health system is being prepared for a variety of scenarios, including disease outbreaks and mass casualty incidents, ahead of the G7 leaders' summit in Kananaskis later this month.

© 2008 - 2025 Webjosh  |  News Archive  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us