College adds Indigenous features to grad events on ‘journey toward reconciliation’

On the day Canada celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day, officials at Okanagan College say they are making progress in their efforts to honour the significant contributions of Indigenous residents.

For the first time, the college has held commencement and convocation ceremonies at each of its four campuses this month, including in Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton – the traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation – and in Salmon Arm, the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc Nation.

Each of the ceremonies honoured and celebrated Indigenous cultures, traditions and protocols.

“While we still have work to do, this has been a meaningful year for Okanagan College’s journey toward reconciliation,” Rhea Dupuis, associate director of indigenization at the college, said.

“It was so special to see the Eagle Staff drummed into the ceremonies with an Honour Song, hear welcoming remarks from Elders, and hear traditional songs that welcomed and honoured graduates,” Dupuis said. “The ceremonial Eagle Staff plays a prominent role in our commencement and convocation ceremonies, representing all nations gathering in unity to celebrate, and we’re grateful to our partners and community members who helped ensure the ceremonies were done in a good way.”

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, where the country recognizes and celebrates the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

According to the most recent statistics available at Okanagan College, in 2021-22, 1,668 Indigenous students enrolled in educational programming at the college, representing 10.8 per cent of the domestic student population. Students have access to culturally relevant resources and programming at Indigenous Services Centres located at each of the College’s four campuses, including in Vernon, Salmon Arm, Penticton and Kelowna.

More information about Indigenous initiatives at Okanagan College can be found at okanagan.bc.ca/indigenization.