Celebrating Together! 2023 Indigenous Graduation

Graduating Indigenous students were honoured with a graduation ceremony hosted by the Wei Wai Kum First Nation at the Kwanwatsi Big House on June 8. 

After a welcome from Chief Christopher Roberts of the Wei Wai Kum Nation and Chief Ronnie Chickite of the We Wai Kai Nation, graduates were drummed into the Big House by Will Henderson, Shawn Decaire, Junior Henderson and Jason Wilson.

Liǧʷiɫdax̌w Culture Group performed the Ladies Dance and graduates, after being individually called up and honoured, participated in the Umlala Fun Dance.

Throughout the evening, graduates were gifted with cedar headbands crafted by Betty Nicolaye and cedar bentwood boxes from Spirit Works.

Special thanks also go to the cultural knowledge keepers, the ceremonial fire keeper, the Indigenous Education Advisory Council for their ongoing guidance, and the SD72 Indigenous education team for organizing this very special ceremony for graduates and their families.

Congratulations to all 67 Indigenous students graduating this year!