Kerri Ceretzke-Mercredi

Together with her husband she owns a seasonal food trailer, Northern Fuel Ltd., and she helps out wherever she can, whether supervising a youth event, tutoring a student, or writing a letter for an Elder. YMM: What is the most rewarding part of your career? KCM: Supporting Fort Chipewyan youth and adults in a positive high school experience which leads to graduation, career opportunities, post-secondary opportunities and well-being. YMM: What keeps you in the region? KCM: I’ve lived in Fort Chipewyan since 2014. My family, my career and the community have kept me rooted here. I grew up on a farm in central Alberta and taught in places from west-central Saskatchewan to southern Alberta to north Yukon. Fort Chipewyan is the longest I’ve stayed in one place since the family farm. YMM: In your opinion, in what areas does Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo need improvement? KCM: Rural community members, in the RMWB, require more access to services including sport, art, music, social and recreational programs. This is critical to well-being at any age. YMM: What does community mean to you? KCM: I always call the Fort Chipewyan Community High School our ‘school community’ which is circled by our Fort Chipewyan community. We honour and utilize strengths, opinions and differences to grow, to learn and to take of each other. YMM: What is the best advice that you ever received? KCM: The best advice came from a statement from a youth in Old Crow, Yukon. I finished playing floor hockey with the community, and I was walking with a few youths in the dark at -40C from the school gym. Shane turned to me and asked, “How long are you going to be here?” He was deciding whether or not to let his guard down, to trust me and get to know me. It was at that moment I realized one needs to be present and commit to youth. YMM: What accomplishment are you most proud of? KCM: Watching my daughter share her food, take a position on an issue and give the reasons why, and give a hug to someone who is hurting. Jaylah’s humanity was taught by myself, her dad, her sister and her grandparents. I am proud to see her demonstrate this. YMM: How should success be measured? KCM: Success should be measured by reaching one’s personal goals and milestones, set out by one’s self. Whether it’s mastering the art of sourdough bread-making, graduating, getting your first job, getting your driver’s license or overcoming a fear, it needs to be self-driven. Those accomplishments lead to more accomplishments and well-being. YMM: Who is your hero, and why? KCM: My parents always live their best life and role model it daily. As well, I was blessed with some outstanding mentors. Now, Dr Cheryl Gilmore who recently retired from Lethbridge School Division was my superintendent in Horizon School Division. She was values-driven and that made a difference in the workplace. Now Elder Stanley Njootli Sr, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, with his guidance and stories. And, from my youth, teacher Mr. Gargus, a science teacher who believed in me as a student. YMM: What are you most grateful for? KCM: The people who have woven in and out of my life. I do believe we meet and share moments with certain people at the right time. By having the opportunity to work and live in so many different places, I gained a variety of skills, knowledge, and experiences to grow personally and as a professional. Deep thank you to all those people.