Graduation Blanket Ceremony

On June 2, 2026, Indigenous Grad took place. It was a meaningful celebration that honored Indigenous and Metis students for their hard work, identity, and journey. Drumming started the ceremony with a nɬeʔkepmx and syilx welcome song. Andrew Dexel and his language fluency class from NVIT honored the students with well wishes all in nɬeʔkepmxcin. 

Before the meal, prayers were shared in nɬeʔkepmxcin and nsyilxcən. Sharing food was also an important part of the celebration, bringing people together in a good way and honoring community, relationship, and care. Honoring families recognized the love, support, and encouragement that helped students reach this milestone.

The Grand Entrance participants were drummed in led by Bear Dancers. They led the path with smudging and prayer. Berry Dancers followed. They carry the teachings and traditions of the nɬeʔkepmx and syilx peoples. Berry picking has been an important seasonal practice, bringing families and communities together to harvest from the land. Followed behind were guests from the 5 bands, Metis reps, School District admin, principals and the graduating class. 

A powerful message was delivered by Upper Nicola community member Robert Manuel.

 The blanket ceremony was the heart of the celebration. Elders and Knowledge Keepers from each community brushed our students on their way to the blanket ceremony with fir boughs. This symbolically cleared their path ahead with good intentions, strength, wellness and encouragement.

Students were blanketed and Metis students were honored with a Metis sash. Students received a medicine pouch.

The evening was a powerful reminder that celebrating Indigenous students in ways that honour culture, language, community, and family is also part of living out truth and reconciliation in our schools. My hands go up to the hard work of the grad committee lead Melissa Pinyon and her team.