Nkwusm celebrates graduation
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ARLEE – Two eighth-grade graduates from Nkwusm aren’t quite done with their education, but more than 100 people turned out to celebrate what they’ve accomplished so far.
“They’ve learned enough Salish to keep a conversation,” said Salish teacher Pat Pierre, which he says is incredible because the language was almost lost.
Indigo Sherman, 14, was one of the graduates. She began her education at Nkwusm in first grade, and she wants to continue learning Salish at the school, but it only goes to eighth grade. The teachers said she can come back any time to practice speaking Salish.
“I’m worried the language will disappear,” Indigo said. “There was a generation that didn’t speak Salish, so now we are trying to bring it back. Unfortunately, our elders aren’t going to last forever, so I wanted to learn the language before they are gone so I can help bring it back.”
T.J. Felsman, 14, also graduated. He first attended the school when he was three or four. He said he studied all kinds of things at the school including math, science and English, but Salish was his favorite class.
“I’m going to miss Salish class,” he said.
The Felsman family planned another graduation party this year to celebrate the accomplishments of three brothers: T.J. graduated from Nkwusm, Zach graduated from Arlee High School and Kyle graduated from the University of Montana.
“I told the boys we were going to have one big party to celebrate,” said Trina Felsman, mom of the three graduates. “I have so much joy and pride for them. This is a huge accomplishment.”
Nkwusm celebrated with a powwow and dinner. They also held an auction to help raise money for next year’s graduation ceremony, which went on without much attention to time.
“We start when people are ready,” Pierre said. “My great-great- grandfather didn’t have a clock. That’s why we don’t pay much attention to it.”
Teepee polls made by students at the school were one of the items at the auction.
“The kids cut down the logs and brought them back to the school,” reading teacher Echo Brown said. “Then, they peeled the logs. We set up another teepee and let them sleep in it overnight as a reward for their work.”
Brown said it took a lot to make the celebration happen from the food to the graduation gifts for the graduates, which included a dress, shirt and moccasins.
“This whole thing has been a group effort,” she said. “The staff pulled together to make it happen.”
