By Jasmine Majoros
It’s that time of the year again, back to school. While parents are preparing their young children to go back, other proud parents are preparing to send their grown teens off to college or university, but let’s not forget that even some parents are preparing themselves to go back to school to further their education. No matter the situation and as resilient as first-nation communities are, there’s no denying that education is really the new buffalo.
Like Ethan Dodginghorse, 17, who had the honour of graduating as his 2024 class valedictorian at Manyhorses High School on Tsuut’ina Nation. Dodginghorse will be leaving the nest to attend his first year at Sait Polytechnic for Film & Video Production this fall. The idea of being able to tell his peoples stories and to contribute to having first nations voices heard through film has been a passion of his. Having heard and seen good things about the institution from his uncle Dalton Dodginghorse and his good friend Adam Solway inspired him to make this decision.
Looking to the future, he sees himself as a film director or screenwriter and hopes his role will help inspire others, especially those younger than himself, to dream big. He also hopes that older generations will see stories like his and feel optimistic about the community’s future, knowing that there is a generation seeking those skills that will keep the community sovereign for years to come.
So far, one of his biggest challenges was being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2020. This affected his ability to continue in the sports he loved and tested his mental health. However, he feels that his condition gave him a better outlook on life and the things people take for granted. Simple things people wouldn’t think of, like the ability to move around normally. But this doesn’t stop him from enjoying other things like photography, music, movies, and working.
Although eager to begin his educational journey, he admits he is a bit nervous about being away from his community and fellow indigenous peers. As he looks forward to this next step in life, he looks back as reality sets in about the idea of being on his own. “I think when you’re alone and apart from your family, it gives you more time to think about your own life and your own privilege. It really makes you grateful for everything that you’ve had in your life; it really makes me grateful for what my mom, dad, and grandparents have done for me my whole life.”—Dodging Horse
Sherry Woods, 30, is going into her 4th year post-secondary at Mount Royal University for Journalism & Digital Media. She began as a Bridging student, an indigenous upgrading program that helps its students work towards a degree. At first, she didn’t give much thought to the impact her indigenous heritage would have on her life and studies. When she took a general education course on Indigenous Studies, it was then her instructor really highlighted her identity as an Indigenous post-secondary student. To add to this, she landed an intern job at the Glenbow Museum working with Indigenous artifacts under Dr. Amber Shilling. A lady who also introduced her to the corporate world. As her passion began to grow, and after a few years into her program, she now also sits on the board of the Indigenization & Decolonization Journalism & Digital Media Review Team.
Looking at one of her long-term goals, she always knew that she didn’t want to be in a newsroom, but as she progressed in her program, the opportunities came along. One of them was being an indigenous intern with a company called Strike; she’s into her second summer as an intern and sees a future with the company. Although she’s the only Indigenous employee there and feels it’s a little intimidating at times, it’s opportunities that don’t come by so often. As she continues her path, she realizes how important it is to her to preserve her indigenous identity not only for herself but to make a lasting impact on all her endeavours.
But there is more to her journey than meets the eye; she is also a full-time mother. Although this type of journey has its challenges, Woods faces it head-on with determination and pride. At the end of the day, her daughter is the true push factor behind everything that she does; although her life wasn’t always easy growing up, she’s always had her family’s support in pushing forward. “I feel like, when I think about everything that I do, I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t do all that for myself.” Sherry Woods
Inspiring stories like these come in many situations; that’s not to say that there’s something more inspiring than the next. But it’s the situations that connect people to one another and to build off one another in order to build resilient communities. Education is just one way of ensuring indigenous communities continue to strive.
