Dear Graduates,
As this school year draws to a close, I want to extend my deepest congratulations to each of you. Graduation is a powerful moment, a time to honour your commitment, your resilience, and the path you’ve taken to arrive at this important day. You have reached a remarkable milestone, and it deserves to be celebrated with pride and joy.
This moment is more than a ceremony. It’s a reflection of the strength you’ve built, the goals you’ve reached, and the possibilities now within your grasp. Whether your next steps take you to higher education, into the workforce, or into new life experiences, know that you carry with you a foundation shaped by your community, your culture, and your own determination.
Throughout your journey, you’ve overcome challenges, discovered new strengths, and grown in ways that will serve you well in the years ahead. I encourage you to continue walking forward with confidence, with humility, and with a willingness to keep learning. You are capable of extraordinary things, and we believe in the future you are creating.
I also want to recognize the many hands and hearts that have walked alongside you, your Parents, Kokums, Mosums, teachers, Elders, and friends and family. Their support has been part of your strength, and their pride today matches our own. This moment belongs to all of you.
As you step into this new chapter, remember who you are and where you come from. Carry your dreams boldly, and let your journey reflect the values that have guided you so far. You have already made us proud, and we can’t wait to see what you do next.
Thank you for the energy, spirit, and dedication you’ve brought to KTCEA. The impact of your journey will continue to inspire those who follow in your footsteps.
With pride and warmest congratulations,
Ki-nanâskomitinâwâw,
Dr. Daphne Mai’Stoina
Superintendent
From May 29 to the end of the school year, three KTCEA schools—Clarence Jaycox School, Kateri School, and Elizabeth Quintal School—were closed due to ongoing wildfire evacuations affecting multiple communities. In response, KTCEA activated its Education Continuity Plan to ensure students remained supported and engaged in their learning.
Despite the challenges of displacement, KTCEA quickly organized daily bussing for evacuated students from hotels to the KTC building in Edmonton. Once there, students had access to structured programming, quiet study spaces, and wraparound educational supports.
Programs included:
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Daily academic blocks for literacy, numeracy, and diploma exam preparation
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Culinary arts classes that combined practical skills with cultural connections
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Cree language and cultural activities
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Technology and credit recovery courses for high school students
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Educational field trips to local museums and learning centers
Each school’s principal remained in close contact with families, supported by a dedicated team to ensure students’ well-being and continued learning. Additional mental health resources and community supports were made available throughout the evacuation period.
"Although our year ended differently than we hoped, we are proud of the resilience of our students and staff,” said KTCEA Superintendent. “Our team came together to ensure that education didn’t stop, even in the face of evacuation."
KTCEA extends its gratitude to families, educators, and community partners who supported this effort and helped maintain a sense of normalcy and care for students in a time of crisis.
Click here to view some photos posted on our KTCEA Facebook Page