Wednesday, January 14, 2015

An Ending or a Great Beginning?

The grant project that we've all come to know and love over the past almost six years has come to an end. The Sweet Grass Project officially ended on December 31st, or should I say it ended as far as the U.S. Department of Education is concerned.

But we know otherwise. The "Sweet Grass" participants, who kind of felt like their own secret society, are just beginning their careers as people who will have a significant impact on the future of many, many children and their families in Indian Country and beyond. Some are currently teaching, and are licensed as professional educators; some are working in other capacities in schools (assistant principal, center director, curriculum specialist, etc.); and some are in graduate school.

It's been fun getting to know you and we will continue to stay in touch. I have a few extra gray hairs from some of our experiences over the years but I wouldn't trade any of them for anything. Continue to stay in touch with us. And you are a member of a society, although it's certainly not secret. You are the "Seventh Generation" and will carry out the inherent responsibilities of this prophecy in your role with children and their families. You are a member of the group of education professionals to graduate on the United Tribes Technical College campus when our baccalaureate degree was approved, for the first time, by the state of North Dakota. It doesn't matter if you are technically a graduate of Sinte Gleska, our sister institution to the south, or United Tribes. You were among the first and will always be some of the best. You set the bar high for those to follow, and there will be many, and that's a good thing.

Remember us when you see a dragon fly. Take your dragon fly medallion out that you were given at graduation every so often and look at it. And know that you have our support and utmost confidence until the end of our time, no matter where life takes you.

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