26th Anniversary of Traditional Celebration of Achievement

(Fort McMurray, AB, May 26, 2023)  This week we were honoured to watch students from our region participate in the Traditional Celebration of Achievement on May 25, 2023. 

The Traditional Celebration of Achievement (TCOA) recognizes and honours First Nations, Metis, and Inuit (FNMI) graduates of the Wood Buffalo region. Students from Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, Anzac, Janvier, and Conklin were all recognized. The inaugural TCOA was held in 1998. 

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2023. This is such an exciting time and I am honoured to celebrate with our Indigenous students at TCOA. On behalf of the staff at Holy Trinity CHS, we wish you a wonderful future. God Bless  you! – Lou Ann Demers-Noble, Holy Trinity Catholic High School Principal 

“It is with a great amount of pride and pleasure that we wish each of you a heartfelt congratulations. Revel in this moment and take the time to rejoice. Please also remember that now is your time and your chance to change the world for the better. You have that ability deep in your hearts. Follow it. While we will miss seeing you in our hallways and classrooms, please be assured in the knowledge that we are tremendously proud to see you move forward. God Bless you all.” – Lisa Miller, Father Mercredi High School Principal 

“Congratulations to the graduating class of 2023. Today we recognize your hard work and dedication. You are an inspiration to all of us and to your friends, family, communities, nations and future generations. There is much to look forward to as you take the next step in your journey. It’s been such an honour to get to know all of you and we will miss you! God Bless” – Deborah Kitching, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic High School Principal

“On behalf of our Board, we would like to congratulate each First Nations, Métis and Inuit student in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo for your dedication, hard work, and success. You have reached a major milestone in your life and you are an inspiration to us at Fort McMurray Catholic Schools. We would like to thank you and your loved ones for entrusting your education journey to our Division, and look forward to hearing of your future accomplishments. May God, the Creator, bless you and guide you.”  – Cathie Langmead, Board Chair, Fort McMurray Catholic Schools

“From such humble beginnings we’ve witnessed the Traditional Celebration of Achievement grow to be this wonderful evening of recognition for our Indigenous graduates. It is an honour to be a small part of their educational journey. We look forward to hearing the stories of your future success and new adventures.” – Natasha MacArthur-Poole, Superintendent, Fort McMurray Catholic Schools 

Thank you to all of the organizers on the TCOA committee. It is inspiring to see these students cross the stage each year and know the opportunities available to them. We at Fort McMurray Catholic Schools are pleased to be a part of their success.

Congratulations Graduates!