A Portage College Native Cultural Arts student from a small northern Alberta community has been awarded a prestigious national bursary.
Vernon Auger, from John D'Or Prairie on the Little Red River Cree Nation, recently received a $1,900 cheque from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation as part of its bursary and scholarship program. Since its inception, the organization has handed out scholarships and bursaries to more than 9,800 First Nation, Métis and Inuit students totalling $37 million. Auger, who sent in photos of his artwork including mukluks and paintings of the Northern Lights as part of his application, is thrilled to be one of them.
"It's a great honour," said the father of two, enrolled in the Native Artisan program this year. "The bursary will go a long way towards paying for my education."
Auger, who took the Native Cultural Arts Instructor stream last year and hopes to return next year to get his Advanced Arts Certificate, can't say enough good things about the Portage College program, the only one of its kind in Canada.
"The program is so cool," he said excitedly. "The instructors are helpful, skilled and full of knowledge."
His teachers are pleased to have him back in the fold for a second year running. "He's an excellent student. Very dedicated," said Jacqueline Demarre, NCA Program Coordinator. "He's an excellent role model for the students here and he's a very nice person."
While Auger dreams of opening his own gallery and sharing the space with other artists, he also aspires to show others what he's learned. "I want to be an instructor in schools or teach evening classes for adults," he says. "It's so important to teach people in your own community."
The 31 year-old isn't putting the proverbial cart before the horse, however. Right now, he's concentrating on making the most of his opportunity to learn from some of the best Native Cultural Arts teachers in the country.
"I thank all the instructors and the program coordinator for all of their help," said Auger, with more than a hint of gratitude in his voice. "I'm really hoping for a good year this year."
To learn more about the Native Cultural Arts Program, visit www.portagecollege.ca or call 1-866-623-5551. For more information, please contact Leona Geller at 780-623-5591 or 780-404-5525.
