Sioux Valley grads celebrate milestone

SIOUX VALLEY DAKOTA NATION — Nine graduates from Sioux Valley High School marked not only the end of their high school years, but also a milestone shaped by resilience, cultural pride and community support.

The graduation ceremony, held at Veterans Hall in Sioux Valley Dakota Nation on Monday morning, celebrated the Class of 2026 before families, elders, educators and community members who gathered to honour the students’ achievements.

Crystal Hansen, director of education for Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, said the graduating class increased from seven students last year to nine this year.

Hansen said the graduates need to discover their own identity and purpose as they prepare for the next stage of life.

“I want them to find their own voice,” she told the Sun. “Knowing who we are and where we come from helps us direct where we’re going. The biggest thing is finding that voice within.”

Hansen said students are encouraged to explore opportunities beyond the community, whether through post-secondary education or other experiences, before finding the path that’s right for them.

Reflecting on the Class of 2026, she said the students demonstrated remarkable perseverance after navigating the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition back to learning in Sioux Valley.

“I think getting them to this point, away from that whole COVID scene, and just trying to direct them in the direction of following their own dreams has really been a goal this year,” Hansen said in an interview before the ceremony.

Principal Rosita Wasicuna-Smoke said the graduates overcame challenges throughout the school year, including adapting to schedule changes, final examinations and the transition back to school in the community.

“You didn’t just survive this year, you conquered it,” she told the graduates.

Quoting the late actor Chadwick Boseman, Wasicuna-Smoke reminded students that “the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose,” and that the graduates carry “the strength of your ancestors, the enduring spirit of the Dakota people and the unyielding support of this entire community.”

Chief Jennifer Bone said the ceremony was an emotional and inspiring event celebrating the students’ accomplishments.

“It’s a nice feeling to be part of the graduation ceremony today,” Bone said in an interview. “Seeing our young people moving forward in education and reaching a milestone is always a special time of the year.”

She tasked the graduates to continue their education after high school and pursue careers that reflect their interests.

“There are so many opportunities that await you, and I hope that you discover a path that challenges and fulfils you,” she said during her remarks. “Never give up and always strive to do your best in whatever life has to offer you.”

Bone also thanked parents, grandparents, teachers and community members for supporting the graduates throughout their academic journey.

Guest speaker and former Sioux Valley High School teacher Jewel Sundell reflected on watching many of the graduates grow from their early years in high school to graduation day.

“Every one of you has a story,” Sundell said. “There were days when getting out of bed took courage, days when homework felt impossible, days when family responsibilities came before school, days when life tested you in ways that no exam ever could. Yet you are here.”

She urged graduates to measure success not by titles or income but by how they treat others and how they contribute to their communities.

“Your culture will always matter, and your voice will always matter,” Sundell said. “This diploma isn’t the finish line; it’s the first page of your next chapter.”

Among the graduates recognized was Felicia McKay, who received the Dakota Historian Memorial Award and the Dakota Language Award.

McKay said the honours came as a surprise.

“I thought I wouldn’t win any awards,” she said.

For McKay, graduating carries special meaning after facing significant physical and mental health challenges.

“I never thought I would graduate,” she said. “I never thought I would make it to see graduation.”

She plans to apply to Assiniboine College to study diagnostic medical sonography after taking a semester off.

McKay also offered words of encouragement to others facing similar struggles.

“Just know that you can do it,” she said. “I know there are obstacles in the way, but if I can do it, you can do it.”

Another graduate, Wynter Blacksmith, received the Governor General’s Award in recognition of outstanding academic achievement.

Blacksmith credited consistent hard work and staying on top of assignments for earning the honour.

“It means that I did it, that I got through high school,” Blacksmith said.

She has already begun applying for work and hopes to study kinesiology at a school in Saskatchewan, with the goal of helping athletes in her community recover from sports-related injuries.

“A lot of people here on the reserve go into sports,” she said. “I want to help with the tense muscles they can get from basketball, volleyball and rugby.”

As the graduates celebrated with family and friends, Hansen expressed hope that they will continue to pursue their dreams while inspiring younger students to follow in their footsteps.

“On behalf of the administration, we wish each and every one of them the very best in their future endeavours,” she said. “And we encourage the next ones coming up to set graduation as their goal.”

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