Indian Teacher Education Program celebrates 39 graduates—including octogenarian Louise Fraser

SASKATOON – Media are invited to join the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Education to celebrate the Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP) Class of 2025.

This year’s upcoming Bachelor of Education degree graduating class will feature 87-year-old graduate Louise Fraser.

Event details:
Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Time: 2 pm 
Location: Prairieland Park, Saskatoon, Sask.

Thirty-nine graduates will be joined by more than 450 guests to celebrate the completion of a four-year Bachelor of Education degree through the USask - College of Education. ITEP has created generations of lasting impact and cultural connection. The program connects First Nations students to their culture, traditions, language and teachings and prepares educators to pass those connections to their students with skill and talent. Louise Fraser’s commitment to lifelong learning will be highlighted during the evening.

The following spokespeople will be available for interviews. Phone interviews are possible following the event for media unable to attend in person. Photos will be available after the event.

  • Yvette Arcand, Director of Education, ITEP
  • Louise Fraser, ITEP Graduate
  • Julia Paulson, Dean, College of Education, University of Saskatchewan

Agenda*
*Timing and order of agenda subject to change

  • 2 pm ITEP Student Graduation Picture
  • 3 pm ITEP 2025 Graduation Grand Entry (Mina Peyak Drum Group)
  • 3:15 pm Opening Prayer (Elder Roland Duquette)
  • Greetings
    • College of Education, Dean, Dr. Julia Paulson
    • Office of the Vice Provost Indigenous Engagement, Dr. Angela Jaime
    • FSIN, Third Vice Chief Fabian Head
  • ITEP Staff Address (Lori-Ann Daniels, ITEP Mentor/Instructor)
  • Toast to ITEP Staff
    • Sohmer MacDonald, Onion Lake Cree Nation & Kierrah Wuttunee, Red Pheasant First Nation & Brooke Poorman- Crowe, Yellow Quill First Nation
  • Toast to Graduates
    • Richard Paskemin, Sweetgrass First Nation & Shelly Osecap, Moosomin First Nation
  • Toast to Parents
    • Jada Smallchild, James Smith Cree Nation & Jessica McDonald, Black Lake Denesuline Nation
  • Toast to Family & Friends
    • Kaythean Ballantyne, Pelican Narrows-PBCN & Shianna Chanalquay, Buffalo River Dene Nation
  • ITEP Alumni Address
    • Mika Lafond (2006) & Jacob Genaille-Dustyhorn (2020)
  • 4 pm Supper Blessing of the Meal, Elder Helen Robillard
  • 5 pm Representatives of the Graduands Address
    • Jessica Munroe, Fishing Lake First Nation
  • Presentation of ITEP Parchment & Gift
    • Yvette Arcand & Arlene Bear
  • Presentation of Awards
    • Aurora Award, Evelyn Gourlay-Radler
    • Cecil King Memorial Award
    • GSCS Accomplished Intern Bursary -- mīyo kīsitaw okinsinamahakēs
    • SPSD
    • Bates Award
  • Honour Song Mina Peyak Drum Group
  • 7:00 pm Closing Prayer (Elder Roland Duquette) & Closing Song (Mina Peyak Drum Group) & Retire of the Flags

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For media inquiries before or after May 24, contact:

Connor Jay
College of Education
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-7829 (w) or 306-380-3079 (c)
connor.jay@usask.ca

For media inquiries on May 24, contact:
Meagan Hinther
University Relations
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-4693 (w) or 306-222-2296 (c)
meagan.hinther@usask.ca