Eagle feather blessing for graduating students

Grade 12 students will reach a milestone in their lives next month during their high school graduation.

The F.P. Walshe school Class of 2023 will move on to the next phase of their lives with a traditional Indigenous blessing supporting them.

The annual eagle feather blessing ceremony was held Thursday in the school gym before a large audience of family, school staff and elders.

“It’s an honour to be here tonight and be a part of this feather blessing ceremony as we celebrate these unique, young individuals,” F.P. Walshe school principal Chad Jensen said.

Jensen said in his three years at F.P. Walshe the elders have taught him many things, including being open to understanding other people’s points of view.

The eagle feather blessing ceremony this year was expanded to welcome all members of the Class of 2023 in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation.

“It is a positive step forward for us to be here together for this feather blessing ceremony,” Jensen said.

Elders Peter Strikes With A Gun, Jeanie Provost, Morris Little Wolf, Betty Ann Little Wolf, Joe Eagle Tailfeathers, Wilfred Yellow Wings, Barbara Yellow Wings, Mary Ruth McDougall and Chester Day Chief were present to conduct the ceremony.

Peter Strikes With A Gun told the students they will have to weather many storms in their lives but they do so with the support of family and community.

“This ceremony is a gift,” Strikes With A Gun said, explaining the eagle feather is an important symbol in his culture and is meant to strengthen the young people for their journey.

Also present for the ceremony were Livingstone Range School Division associate superintendents Jeff Perry and Richard Feller, school board chair Lacey Poytress and First Nations, Metis and Inuit lead Joel Gamache.

First Nations students on hand to receive blessing and eagle feathers were Sloan Grier, Trinity Nicholas, Hailey Ortiz Arrazola, Aidan Potts, Theoren McDougall, Cash Yellow Wings and Tess Provost.

“The eagle feathers are meant to guide you on your journey in life,” Joe Eagle Tailfeathers said.

The young people will inherit from the elders the responsibility to be role models and care for the next generation.

Neil Sharp Adze brought greetings on behalf of Piikani chief and council.

Sharp Adze told the students that he was once a student at F.P. Walshe school, more concerned about having fun with friends than concentrating on academics.

“I really didn’t have an idea of what I was going to be in life,” Sharp Adze said.

After working at several jobs Sharp Adze studied business management at Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge, even doing a semester in Japan.

Along the way Sharp Adze realized he wanted to focus on helping his home community, which he has been able to do.

“It’s very important that you do the best you can at whatever you do in life,” Sharp Adze told the students.

Guest speaker Walker English, who graduated from F.P. Walshe school six years ago and is now studying at the University of Lethbridge, also encouraged the students.

English told the students no one knows what will happen in life, so it’s important to be prepared.

“It’s always important to have a plan, and a back-up plan, and a back-up plan for the back-up plan,” English said with a laugh.

English encouraged the students to have faith in themselves and to not be afraid to try new things and take some chances.

The pursuit of education and knowledge is a life-long journey, English added.

“I am sure that all of you will conquer any obstacles that are placed in front of you,” English said.

The students will find that life is filled with unlimited possibilities.

“Try your best no matter what,” English said. “Keep trying, and never give up.”