Old Sun Community College celebrates 40th Anniversary

Manny Everett 

Times Contributor

 

‘Empowering a Nation through Education’ was the theme of Old Sun Community College’s, OSCC, three-day celebration of their 40th Anniversary from Sept. 19 – 21.

Monday morning’s celebration began with a tradition Tipi Transfer Ceremony and a Feast enjoyed by all who came out to participate. After the Feast, officials held their Opening Ceremonies with welcoming remarks by Chief Fred Rabbit Carrier and President of OSCC, Amelia Clark. 

This year Old Sun Community College celebrated its 40th year of success as an adult learning institute on the Siksika Nation. This learning institution has played an integral role amongst Siksika Nation members in helping them to reach their educational goals through lifelong learning. In addition, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Siksika Nation successfully administering the Federal Post-Secondary Student Support Program fund. These two anniversaries mark monumental advances in the area of education amongst the people of the Siksika Nation and are an important part of their history.

Guests were provided with opportunities to go on tours of OSCC and learn about the history of the residential school as well as a history of the various initiatives that have evolved over the years. A Trade Fair and historical displays were set up in the basement of the college for people to browse and purchase memorabilia from the anniversary. Local artists (and past students) like Cody Wolfleg and Darcy Lowhorn were given the opportunity to show off their spectacular art and they were humble about their accomplishments.

Cheryl Solway, who has been the Education Counsellor for the past 20 years said they “were proud of the 20 year Anniversary which officially took place on April 1 when OSCC took over funding from Indian Affairs in 1991.” 

Truly there have been many things to celebrate both for the Community of Siksika and those who have participated in the College.

Lesley Stimson jokingly said that she had worked as “official office gopher” for 29 years. She originally started as the librarian and retired in 2006. Stimson said that if she had to pick, one overall thing that she learned while employed at the college was ‘patience’, both on her part and on the part of all those she came in contact with. She thoroughly enjoyed all her years at the College and was honoured to come and join in the celebrations over the three-day event.

Many students from the past and present along with faculty enjoyed the reunion aspect of the event, sharing their accomplishments over the years.

Chief Fred Rabbit Carrier summed up the event by saying that OSCC “has helped numerous citizens of Siksika to further their education and for many has been an integral stepping stone. In the 40 years since its inception, OSCC has grown remarkably and has to be one of the best kept secrets in our local municipalities. I am very proud of this institution and all it stands for.”