Mother and Son Celebrate Dual Graduations

Steven Ross recently graduated from the University of Saskatchewan's Indigenous Teachers Education Program, earning an education degree in kinesiology. His mother, Charlotte Ross, has also graduated, obtaining a PhD in Indigenous language revitalization from the University of Victoria. Both individuals are members of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation, located north of Saskatoon.

Charlotte's doctoral research focused on adult Cree silent speakers, exploring the impacts of trauma on language retention. She has been instrumental in developing a language app and assisting with Cree language revitalization efforts. Her educational journey began decades prior, graduating from the University of Saskatchewan in 1988. Despite a disrupted childhood due to the Sixties Scoop, Charlotte became the first in her family to attend university, driven by her parents' strong valuation of education.

Steven, inspired by his mother, pursued higher education and is now seeking teaching positions. He focused his studies on kinesiology with an emphasis on Indigenous land-based learning. His own aspirations to teach began in elementary school, aiming to foster a better future. Charlotte encourages other Indigenous families to pursue university education, emphasizing the importance of seeking help when needed.