Clara Caufield: The sky is the limit for our Indian graduates

Graduation on the Navajo Nation. Photo: Navajo Nation Office of President and Vice President

Congratulations Graduates

Monday, June 7, 2021

By Clara Caufield

Native Sun News Today Columnist

It’s graduation season and thank goodness this year things are back to normal, the students getting to participate in ceremonies marking a milestone in their lives, in the process bringing so much joy and pride to their parents and exended families.

Local papers have been featuring photos of the graduating classes and it is so encouraging to look at these bright beautiful faces and to think about all of the wonderful adventures these young people will embark upon. Which will become a nurse, a doctor, teacher, lawyer, electrician or plumber?

The sky is the limit and within a relatively short time on reservations, the sky has become higher than it used to be. Most of these graduates already have plans for additional education and training. Even those who may not be graduating know the importance of getting a G.E.D. That sure makes us older tribal members feel good for that was not always the case for our generations.

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In our case, we attended a very important graduation ceremony for Kaydee who has completed 5th grade, moving onto the new frontier of Middle School. The event was quite the gala here in Sheridan, speakers, diplomas, caps and celebratory lunch. Kaydee is excited about moving up in order to put her new hot pick guitar to work in band classes.

As for other education goals, she hasn’t planned out anything specific, but the wonderful thing is that college for her, and many Indian kids of this generation, college is not a question of “if” but “where” and “what for”.

The only crazy thing about Kaydee’s graduation will be my gift. Sure, I got the stuffed bear saying #1 grad and a card, but as the date falls one day before my social security payout, little Kaydee will receive an I.O.U., redeemable on Grandma’s payday, similar to “the first” for low-income families.

That’ll work out oaky because these kids are used to that.