Vi Thunderchild (left) with four of the five scholarship winners

By Andrew Dawson/paNOW

scholarships

The spirit of Victor Thunderchild lives on

Jun 22, 2021 | 1:15 PM

Even after his death, Victor Thunderchild is helping students in Prince Albert- this time through a new scholarship program.

Thunderchild died of complications from COVID-19 in April.

Not only was he missed by students and fellow teachers around Prince Albert, but his loss was felt across Saskatchewan.

He was well known as someone the kids could talk to, and work with. He was considered a mentor, a role model, and a friend.

On Monday evening, five students were granted $1,000 scholarships, with money raised through a “Go Fund Me” campaign that started after Victor’s death. The celebratory event took place along the riverside.

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Family, friends and students gather for a presentation of scholarships in the name of Victor Thunderchild who died earlier this year. (Andrew Dawson/paNOW Staff)

Originally, only three scholarships were being awarded this year, but organizers saw there was a big need and decided Victor would want to help as many students as possible.

As each student came up to get their scholarship, they said a few words about the man, and what an important role he played in their lives.

Violet Thunderchild, Victor’s widow, was also at the event. She remembered how hard it can be to get a post-secondary education – from the financial costs to the mental tolls.

“It’s exciting and I’m happy for them,” Violet told paNOW. “I hope they can endure the road they’ve chosen.”

She said she knows it will not be easy but hopes the scholarship will make it a little easier for them.

Violet shared a story from her university days, where she met Victor. She said he had his struggles too, and she would even help him with his work as he made his way through class after class.

Students Jaylynne Eninew, Aden Sinoski, Trinity Bear, Jenna Amyotte, and Laquanda Young were chosen to receive the scholarship this year.

The ceremony was held outdoors in the aftermath of a storm. The weather cleared suddenly, just as the ceremony was supposed to begin.

Many of the families and friends of Victor’s and the students who were gathered felt he probably had something to do with it.

—

andrew.dawson@PattisonMedia.com

On Twitter: @DawsonNewsNet