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On Monday, June 3, 2024, families, friends, teachers, staff, community members, and graduating students gathered to celebrate the Kamloops-Thompson School District’s Aboriginal Graduation Ceremony.

Trustee and Director of the Aboriginal Education Council, Diane Jules, shared, “When I graduated, there were only 12 graduates and now to see over 250 Aboriginal students crossing the stage, it is a testament to how far we have come in Truth and Reconciliation.”

To start the procession into the graduation ceremony, District Principal, Mike Bowden, carried the staff gifted by Randy Big Sorrel Horse to the Board of Education and to be held in the care of the Aboriginal Education Council last June.

District Principal Bowden explained, “The staff was made with seven eagle feathers to represent the Seven Grandfathers and the journey through the stages of life. The bead work also represents the start and finish of day cycles, including birth and rebirth and the learning journey. The staff was hand created, smudged, and went through a sweat lodge ceremony as per protocol and tradition. Use of the staff is a privilege and sacred responsibility not unlike the responsibility of honouring a Slá7a (grandfather) and the ancestors.”

The Graduation began with staff and trustees processing into the hall at McArthur Island Sports Centre, followed by hundreds of Aboriginal graduates from every school across the District. To welcome the graduates, community members drummed and sang the Welcome Song while student’s shared dances on stage. 

Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Nixon said, “It is a spiritual feeling with everyone together, precessing in and feeling the vibration of the singing and drumming. I am grateful for the experience and look forward to hearing the words of the elders who open the graduation ceremony.”

Elder Connie Jules began with words of encouragement from the ancestors who she shared are with us and watching over us. She said to stay close with family and friends and trust that you will be guided in life by those who care about you.

Board Chair Heather Grieve shared, “When we engaged with the community to make our District Strategic Plan, Knowledge Keeper Joan Arnouse emphasized that the hearthfire is the gathering place of communities. She asked us to remember that it is through community that we ensure children grow healthy and strong. Tonight, we gather to celebrate graduation which is the result of the support from those around you—your family, friends, staff, coaches, and community members”

Words of inspiration, hope, and pride resonated throughout the evening with a welcome from Elder Connie Jules, and messages from Elder Ellen Ahdemar, Tkwenem7íple7 Councillor Morning-Star Peters, District Principal Mike Bowden, and parent Bernice Jensen.

Diane Jules also shared a message of encouragement as the graduates enter a new chapter: “There are no reruns in life, but there are new episodes.”

Tkwenem7íple7 Councillor Morning-Star Peters said, “I could not be more proud of you for accomplishing this important milestone in your lives. What I hope for you now is that you are proud of yourselves and you carry that confidence with you.”

The evening's valedictorians encouraged the graduates to share their stories and stand up for what they believe:

“No matter where we come from, our stories are meant to be shared. Life's toughest battles and life's greatest accomplishments must be told and passed down from one generation to the next. Our own unique stories of how WE EACH were able to overcome challenges, to be able to attend school and then to be sitting here today, at our Aboriginal Graduation. We must share our stories, to inspire others, so that they too, will have the courage to reach their milestones in life.” – Chloe Anderson, Westsyde Secondary

“There will be times in life when you need to stand up for yourself. Times when the right thing is to back down and apologize. Times when the right thing is to fight, times when the right thing is to turn and run. Times to hold on with all you have and times to let go with grace. Sometimes the right thing to do is to throw out the old schools of thought in the name of progress and reform. Sometimes the right thing to do is to listen to the wisdom of those who have come before us. How will you know what the right choice is in these crucial moments? You won’t… The world that awaits us is vast and unpredictable, filled with both challenges and opportunities. It is up to us to seize those opportunities and pursue our passions with courage and strength.” – Danna Campbell, Valleyview Secondary

As each graduate walked across the stage to receive their diploma, loud cheers were heard from the audience as families, friends, and community joined together to celebrate the 2024 Aboriginal Graduates.