Hello,

I would like to extend a warm welcome from everyone here at Sheshatshiu Innu School to the elders, parents, guardians, friends and visitors to our community of Sheshatshiu. The 2011-2012 school year represents the continuation of a historic time in education for the people of Sheshatshiu. In the 2009-2010 school year following many years of hard work and dedication, the Innu people were given the opportunity to run their own school in ways that make sense to them. That year was a year of firsts. Our staff members were the first ever staff members. Our graduates were the first ever graduates. Our school board trustees were the first ever trustees. The list goes on. Now in our third year, I wish to express to the Innu people of our community how truly humble I am to continue the task of being the first ever principal of this new era. I promise to continue to work hard and to dedicate my efforts to ensuring that our new education system is the best it can be and the best it has ever been.

This year has been another positive year for everyone. We are privileged to work in a brand new state-of-the-art facility. Our new school sits in the physical heart of our community. I feel our staff members have worked hard to make sure it also occupies a prominent place in our everyday lives as well.

I would like to extend my personal congratulations to this year’s high school graduates. It is important to remember that our school would not be here if we did not have students to fill it. It is thus important to acknowledge the hard work and perseverance shown by our graduating students. They truly represent everything that we are all ultimately working together to support.

The Innu have asked for control of their own education system for nearly 40 years. Finally, their words have been heard. I believe that together, we can all work to improve policies that have been ineffective and deploy practices that meet with more success. The Innu know what’s best for their own children. For the first time, Innu voices will be heard when they speak about education.

Nin,

Clarence Davis, principal