By Sarah Rae

School division director honoured in ceremony

Jun 16, 2016 | 5:29 PM

The Living Sky School Division’s director of education was honoured in a First Nations ceremony for his retirement this year.

On Thursday, the Elders Council presented Randy Fox with an eagle feather and blanket made with the same colours as the school division’s logo.

“It just means a great deal and it’s hard to express,” he said. “It’s a real honour and I appreciate it so much. It’s just a real strong feeling of gratitude.”

Fox is retiring this year after more than 15 years as a part of the school division. He said what’s been most significant to him over the years is seeing students take ownership of and pride in their schools.

“I was out at Cut Knife High School the other day when they were celebrating their anniversary and to see the leadership from many of our First Nations students in that school, I think that those are the things that really mean the most to me,” he said.

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Also honoured at the ceremony was Cando Community School principal Tammy Riel, who is moving on to another division. She was also presented with a blanket and eagle feather from the Elders Council.

“I’m moved beyond words and thankful for all the time I’ve spent with you and the council, each of you as we’ve done things in the division and spent time on the land I am forever changed and I will continue to seek guidance from all of you after I’ve left here,” she said to the group.

Two drumming groups performed at the ceremony, one that included two students from Cando Community School. During the ceremony each elder was given the opportunity to speak about what the eagle feather means and about Fox and Riel.

Elder Ethel Stone said she had picked the feathers given to Riel and Fox by a river five years ago and had held on to them since. She said this felt like the right moment to gift them.

“It was really a great honour to have you and to show the children that you care, that was number one,” she said to Fox.

Stone said her vision has always been to have First Nations people on a school board, and said Riel was one of the people who helped make the Elders Council happen. She said she’s seen a lot of growth in understanding between cultures on the school board.

Fox said the Elders Council has helped him understand what problems students might be facing and how to address them. He said the council has built an understanding for those who are in positions to actually make a difference for students.

He said he’s seen a lot of great things happen in the last few years to support students, especially First Nations and Métis students, and hopes that will continue on after he leaves. He said he’s going to remain connected with education in Saskatchewan but is looking forward to the slower pace of retirement and spending more time with his grandchildren.

Fox’s successor is David Hutchinson, who worked in B.C. before moving to Saskatchewan to fill the position. Fox said Hutchinson starts in early August so they have some time to work together over the summer to make for a smooth transition.

sarah.rae@jpbg.ca

@sarahjeanrae