The Kwanwatsi Big House was quite busy on June 5 as the Wei Wai Kum First Nation hosted a celebration for 89 Indigenous graduates.
The students were welcomed by Chief Chris Roberts of the Wei Wai Kum Nation, who spoke about how the students represented different Nations and territories.
Kwaxiladzi (Shawn Decaire) and He’wasa (Jason Wilson) served as the host chief and Yakindalla, working together to guide the event forward, with Will Henderson drumming the graduates into the Big House. The graduates and their families were then treated to dances performed by the Liǧʷiɫdax̌w Culture Group.
Graduates were called up individually to be honoured for their graduation. They were gifted cedar headbands and cedar bentwood boxes. Jackie Lever of the North Island Metis gifted the students sashes. Elder Betty Nicolaye of the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nation crafted the headbands, while Spirit Works created the boxes. The Indigenous students then joined together to perform the Umlala (Fun) Dance.
