PABLO — Arlee freshman Zachary Felsman took home top honors last Thursday night at the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Education Department’s award banquet. The hardworking student-athlete went home with the 2012 CSKT High School Student of the Year award and a sharp-looking Pendleton jacket over his shoulders.

A total of 30 students, parents, teachers and community members were honored at the annual event, which highlights the importance of education and encourages community and family involvement in the process of educating youth.

“The Tribes have had a longtime commitment to education and we will continue to support education,” said CSKT Chairman Joe Durglo in his welcome speech.

Arlee high school student Vance Home Gun gave the keynote address, a task of the highest honor he said because, “the values of education and culture — those are two of the values I hold very high.”

Only in his third year of high school, Home Gun is already a positive role model to so many on this reservation — both young and old — for his dedication to learning the Salish language and spreading the word about the important link between language and culture. He began his keynote address in Salish, and then translated into English.

“I am very honored to know this ancient knowledge,” he said. “I am very thankful to be raised in my culture. I was raised by older parents, and as you get older, you get more wise.”

Home Gun said he started learning the language when he was about 10 years old, but his message to the audience was that you are never too old to learn. He referenced a conversation he once had with Tribal Elder and language guru, Felicity McDonald, who is 89 years old.

“She said, ‘It bugs me when people tell me I’m too old to learn.’” he recalled. “She said, “I can still learn.’ And she’s right.”

After the keynote, Cultural Preservation awards were given to Salish and Pend d’Oreille and Kootenai culture committee members Noel Pichette and Francis Auld, respectively. Auld, who has been an ever-present guide to cultural issues for the Kootenai people, echoed Home Gun’s words in his acceptance speech.

“I can never stress enough how important your language is to you,” he said. “That is your blood root to who you are.”

Chaney Bell gave a moving introduction to the event’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, brother and sister, Alec Quequesah and Sophie Mays (posthumously).

“To remain who we are is very tough,” he said, thanking the recipients for their generosity in educating the community. “There are just a few people left who can help us. Sophie, she was not only my teacher, my mentor, but she was my friend… Alec, he wants to pass on everything he knows to his people… between Alec and Sophie, I’ve learned so much.”

Deeply affected by this great honor, Quequesah accepted the award and on behalf of his sister.

“I miss my sister,” he told the audience, speaking about their great relationship and mutual quest for understanding of the Salish language and culture.

“When we learn something, it’s ours to keep,” he said.