NLPS’ Indigenous Graduation ceremony last month saw hundreds in attendance at John Barsby Secondary.
By Mandy Moraes, NLPS staff
NLPS’ annual Indigenous Graduation celebration on May 28 at John Barsby Secondary was more than just a graduation ceremony. It was a way for students to be with their Elders and families to mark an important milestone, honouring values, culture, and community.
The event recognised Indigenous graduates from across the district and gave them an opportunity to celebrate alongside the people who supported them throughout their school journeys.
The evening opened with a welcome and prayer from Lolly Good and George Seymour, followed by performances from the Quam Qwum Stuwixwulh dancers. Later, graduates, families and guests shared a meal together, creating time to connect and celebrate across schools, families and nations.
While the evening honoured academic achievement, it also focused on community, culture and the relationships that helped students reach this milestone.
For many students, the event was a time to look back on what they have achieved and think about the lessons they will take with them into the future.
Kendal Hudson from Wellington Secondary said one of the most important things she learned was how valuable it is to be open and friendly.
“I found it’s easy to make friends with people if I’m all the way out there,” she said. “I’ve made a lot of friends out of it and made a lot of connections.”
Hudson said she was proud to have passed all her classes and enjoyed seeing students from different schools come together to celebrate.
Kira Fischer, also from Wellington Secondary, said she learned how important it is to take chances and make the most of every opportunity. She said she was especially proud of the friendships she made during high school.
“You get to see all these different cultures and things, celebrating all together like a community,” Fischer said.
For valedictorian Tiana MacDonald, qa’meah, from Ladysmith Secondary, the evening showed how powerful connection and shared achievement can be.
“Even though everyone here is from different schools and different nations, we’re all sitting together,” she said. “We come together to celebrate this.”
MacDonald said she was proud of herself for stepping outside her comfort zone this year by taking part in public speaking and joining the NLPS’ Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) group.
“I feel like I’ve made a change, and I’m proud of myself for that,” she said.
Sam Hunt, a graduate from John Barsby Secondary, said the most important thing he learned was not to let others decide his future.
“I’ve been told a lot over the years that I wasn’t going to be able to graduate, and I’m very glad that I’m here today,” he said.
Looking back on the celebration, Hunt said Indigenous Graduation stands for progress and reconciliation.
“Years ago, I don’t even think they had an event like this,” he said. “I’m glad that it’s something we can come to and do together.”
Emily Magyar, District Principal of Indigenous Learning, said the celebration is carefully planned to honor graduates in a way that reflects Indigenous traditions and values.
“We make sure Elders come, that it’s a real family event, that we have a meal together,” she said. “It’s ceremony. It’s acknowledging how incredibly sacred this work is.”
For many graduates and their families, Indigenous Graduation is more than just recognizing academic success. It is a celebration of resilience, community, and the support that helped students reach this milestone.