Indigenous students from School District 72 were honoured with a special ceremony at the Kwanwatsi Big House on June 6.
Hosted by the Wei Wai Kum First Nation, Hereditary Chief Qua'ke'la zi James Quatell and Chief Christopher Roberts welcomed the students. Will Henderson, Junior Henderson, Jason Wilan and Andrew Puglas drummed them in. The Liǧʷiɫdax̌w Culture Group performed the Ladies' Dance. Each graduate was called up, honoured and then participated in the Umlala Fun Dance.
Chiefs Ronnie Chickite, Darren Blaney and James Smith were at the event. The trio shared their wisdom with the graduates. Elder Betty Nicolaye gifted graduates cedar headbands she crafted, while Spirit Works gave them cedar bentwood boxes. Students of Métis backgrounds were gifted small sashes. Jackie Lever, a member of the North Island Métis Association, created the sashes.
Geoff Manning, superintendent of SD72, was there to close the ceremony and congratulate the 90 Indigenous students who graduated. Also in attendance was Humdsid Robert Duncan, who served as Yakindalla, the cultural knowledge keepers, and the Education Advisory Council.
The SD72 Indigenous Education team organized the ceremony.
