NICOLA VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
BC’s Indigenous Public Post-Secondary Institute
GRADUATION
CLASS OF 2026
ELDERS’ PRAYER
Creator, we are here today to celebrate and honour the accomplishments of the NVIT graduating students. Creator, we give thanks for all that you have given to these students and the NVIT family.
Creator, we are humble and in need, please bless all who are here today; we ask you to bless and guide the graduates seated before you, and to bless those who are tasked with passing lessons onto the students of NVIT. We ask for your guidance as we rejoice in each new day and nourish our body, mind, and soul with food from Mother Earth, and the knowledge and wisdom of our ancestors.
Creator, we ask for the strength and the courage to carry out the tasks placed before us. We ask for your healing of those who are ill of body, mind, and spirit and we remember all those who feel lonely for they are loved. We ask for your comforting words so we may offer them to those who are grieving and to show them the newness of life and warmth which surrounds them. Creator, we ask for your blessing and thank you for this day.
We ask for your protection for all those present, for those graduating today, for those who will be traveling a long way back to their homes and communities. Bind us together so that we can work as one. Also, we ask for wisdom, knowledge and understanding in all that we do. In closing, we raise our hands to the students who are here today receiving their certificates, diplomas and degrees.
wayʼ ~ Hello
It is with deep pride and heartfelt congratulations that I greet you today as graduates of the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. Today, we celebrate your accomplishments, along with the journey, courage, and determination that brought you here. You have succeeded, and we honour you.
Graduation marks both an ending and a beginning. It closes a chapter of growth and learning, and opens new paths filled with possibility. At NVIT, we walk alongside you, guided by our mission: sƛəq̓méyt ~ nakʷúlaʔmnt ~ sharing our traditional ways. This reminds us that education is not only about knowledge, but about identity, relationships, and community.
Throughout your time here, you have lived our vision: y̓ehełc̓I ~ x̌słcawt ~ our spirit, essence, emotions, and intelligence are good. You have grown in all of these ways, and in doing so, strengthened both yourselves and the communities you are part of.
Today, I leave you with a question. Who are your relations?
This question grounds us. It reminds us that we are shaped by our connections to family, community, land, and those who came before us. As you move forward, carry this with you. Know your relations. Honour them. Create spaces where others feel safe to learn, grow, and find their voice.
NVIT itself exists because of the strength and vision of residential school survivors who believed in a different future for the generations that followed. Because of them, you are here today. With that comes responsibility.
You are the dream your ancestors had.
Carry that with you in all that you do. Walk forward with purpose. Share your knowledge. Lift others. Lead with compassion and integrity. Your success belongs not only to you, but to your families, your communities, and those who came before you.
Wherever your path leads, carry the spirit of NVIT with you. Remember that learning is lifelong and always grounded in relationship.
Graduates, you will always have a home at NVIT. We believe in you and look forward to the change you will bring into the world.
Congratulations, Class of 2026. You’ve done something truly powerful. x̌ast aksck’wúlyou have achieved something that has taken great effort.
Dr. John Chenoweth NVIT President & CEO
A MESSAGE FROM THE HONOURABLE JESSIE SUNNER,
MINISTER
OF POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION AND FUTURE SKILLS
Dear graduates, families, faculty, staff and distinguished guests,
On behalf of the Government of British Columbia, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) Class of 2026. Today marks an important milestone, one shaped by dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to learning that reflects the very best of British Columbia’s future.
NVIT inspires Indigenous learners to strengthen community and empowers students by amplifying their voices and identities through education.
Your achievements reflect the strength of this learner centred and community driven approach, and you now join a distinguished network of NVIT alumni who are recognized as leaders making meaningful contributions across British Columbia and beyond.
I commend each of you for your dedication, resilience, and hard work. I also want to acknowledge the families and friends whose support has helped guide the graduates to this moment, as well as the faculty and staff whose commitment to teaching and mentorship has been essential to students’ success.
To the graduating class of 2026, congratulations. This is an extraordinary accomplishment, and you should take great pride in all that you have achieved. I wish you a bright path ahead, one filled with opportunity, growth, and fulfillment in your careers and in your lives.
With warm regards,
Jessie Sunner Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
JUNE 5, 2026 | VANCOUVER
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Gown Pick-up and Official Portrait Shoot
Preparation for Grand Entry
Grand Entry
Graduation Ceremony
Welcoming Prayer
Message from NVIT President & CEO
Elders’ Address
Message from the Board Chair
Alumni Address
Student Society Address
Student Awards and Credentials
Closing and Lunch Prayer
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
12:15 PM- 1:30 PM
Group Graduation Photo and Gown Return
Lunch
JUNE 12, 2026 | MERRITT
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
10:00 AM - 10:20AM
10:20 AM - 12:30 PM
Gown Pick-up and Official Portrait Shoot
Preparation for Grand Entry
Grand Entry
Graduation Ceremony
Welcoming Prayer
Message from NVIT President & CEO
Elders’ Address
Message from the Board Chair
Student Society Address
Student Awards and Credentials
Closing and Lunch Prayer
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Group Graduation Photo and Gown Return
Lunch
LIST OF GRADUATES
DEVELOPMENTAL AND CAREER PREPARATION
BC ADULT GRADUATION DIPLOMA
Kenneth Leonard Landgraff
MICRO-CREDENTIALS
BUILDING INDIGENOUS THEORY
Heidi Suzzane Greenman
Honey Grace Johnson
Emily Lindley-Payou
Susan Nadine Manuel
Percy John Kyle Minnabarriet
Savannah Ashley Pierro
Jamie Dee Porter
Marilyn Porter
INDIGENOUS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR ASSISTANT
Maryjane Char
FIRST NATIONS GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP
Heidi Suzzane Greenman*
Jamie Dee Porter*
Marilyn Pauline Porter*
BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATIVE STUDIES CERTIFICATE
Cheyenne Longneck
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION CERTIFICATE
Amber Tricia Cahoose
Kaytlynn Nicole Jack
Kaelan Lenore Louise Smith
ADMINISTRATIVE STUDIES DIPLOMA
Cheyenne Longneck
Micah Ray Douglas Kirk
Justin Kyle Neasloss
Mahailia Marie Chapman
EDUCATION
FIRST NATIONS SPEECH-LANGUAGE
ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE
Nicole Claira Dawn Alex
Zachary Brandon Kelsey Collison
Brittany Garfield
Nadine Leonie Gorski*
Traci Lindstrom*
Christy Lee Lucas
April Morel*
Doreen Aneta Nikkel
Maria Marika Pajger*
Shawnee Kathleen Swayze-Kristan*
Anne Margret Patricia Wright
INDIGENOUS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CERTIFICATE
Taylor D.M. Abou
Sarah Allen *
Emma Bernice Antoine
Tracy L Cleghorn
Rolemeanya Leona George-Peters
Karen Anaice Harris
Jaguar Amy Isaac
Stephanie Isnardy
Marley Rae Peterkin
Dylan Lauren Mackenzie Pettyjohn
Ada M Webster
Chyanna Marie Webster
Jacqueline Rose Randi Webster
INDIGENOUS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DIPLOMA
Tonya Colleen Henry
Joely Charlene Novak
Jolene Lydia Michelle Price
Summer Grace Price
Juanita Dawn Sampson
Denise Natalie Grace Sankey
Crystal Dawn St. Louis
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE
Aurora Dorothy McDermott
Clint Albert Patrick
Danny Martin Pelchat
Lesley Riley
Lonnie Tutt
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA
Simon William Cisco Jr
Ignatius Raymond Connolly
Heidyn Jeffery Dawson
Mya Karis Dawson
Snow Flower Diablo
Emily Anne Friesen
Lukas Jerzy Homolicki
Dawn Catherine Hutchinson
Kai McAreavy
Lesley Riley
HEALTH
HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE
Jennifer Brown
Brooke Avery Gray*
Arianna Nicole Hostrawser
Sophia Bettina Jungheim*
Amber Lilly Renee Kalelest
Chandpreet Kaur
Katherine Edna Maclean*
Bonnie Jayne Meadows*
Renata Mednanska*
Asia Mae Lynne Munro
Nishtha Narang
Brooklyn Pearl Purdy*
Michelle Ross
Adeline Ruby Seward
Jasmin Young*
ACCESS TO PRACTICAL NURSING DIPLOMA
Vishwa Aj Chandra
Song Yi Cho
Hailee Mercedes Pauline Coutlee
Haley Anne Critch
Rachael Flundra
Cynthia Michelle Haggerty
Edythe Handley
Tammie Crystal MacDonald
Paula Melanie Ramsey
HUMAN SERVICES
INDIGENOUS HOLISTIC WELLNESS AND ADDICTIONS CERTIFICATE
Alydia J Baker*
Jaryn Brazeau*
Kalentitikwa (Josephine) Joseph
Monica Maggie Joseph
Maggie Mae Louis*
Jade Violet Peers*
Joan Allison Marie Scarff*
Paul Terbasket*
Lorraine Sandra Terry
Lindsay Merryl Thevarge
Linnea Ward
Peter Maurice James White*
INDIGENOUS HOLISTIC WELLNESS AND ADDICTIONS DIPLOMA
Brandy Bulycz
Megan Chelsea Ann Campbell*
Louella S Chartrand*
Rhonda Lee Gloria Cook
Trina Anne Geeley
Crystal Ann Rose Guss*
Harvey Benson Leask
Christopher Eli Paul*
Jo-Anne Kendra Quill
INDIGENOUS HOLISTIC WELLNESS AND ADDICTIONS ADVANCED DIPLOMA
Joshua Michael Barker*
Jazmin Mary-Sue Feschuk*
Guy Anslem George*
Jade George*
Jocko Keith Warner McHugh*
Adam Keith Morrison*
William Joseph Gregory Smerechanski*
INDIGENOUS HUMAN SERVICES CERTIFICATE
Haley Justice Anderson
Alicia Brittany Grant
Kristine Laluk
Brianna Netemegesic
June North
May Roseann North
Jessica Quinita Pinkney-Gregg
INDIGENOUS HUMAN SERVICES DIPLOMA
John Dawson Scott Attrell
Carol F Danielson
Lillian Jade Eaton
Tamara Louise Gardner
Willow Dawn George
Annette Elizabeth Hart
Deanna Jean Henry
Marissa Elaine Kichard
Justice Marie Loots
Raylene Jean Marie Moore
Silvana Veronica Quigley
Daryk Danger Reinders
Shania West
June Francis Wichmann
INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE FLUENCY
DAKELH LANGUAGE FLUENCY CERTIFICATE
Pauline Allan
Sonya Jocelyn Erickson*
Esther Flanagan
Jacqueline Louie
Roselita Dawn Louis
Clifford J Louis
Alfred Richard Michell
Marci Mae Thomas
NIWHKINIC LANGUAGE FLUENCY CERTIFICATE
Hanna Krist West
NIWHKINIC LANGUAGE FLUENCY DIPLOMA
Hanna Krist West
NŁEʔKEPMX LANGUAGE FLUENCY CERTIFICATE
Mary Christine Angus*
cáqʷəqʷpeʔ Leonard Antoine*
Ellen Antoine*
c̓uʔsinek Martha Aspinall*
Roarke Shmoowa Charlie*
Sebastian Kean Dexel*
Lisa Rose Dunstan*
Elizabeth Garcia*
kʷəɬtézetkʷʔ (Bernice) Garcia*
Vonnet Hall*
Heather Louise Hemphill*
Hazel Serenity Jack-James*
Mandy Na’zinek Jimmie*
Siw̓kaʔ Joella MacKenzie
Annie Rose Major*
Stacey Michell*
Gene Moses*
Lily Ned*
Marshal Frank Polykovskiy*
téy̓steʔ Art Sam*
Niklah June Shackley*
cicums Shuter*
Jerome Paul Smith
Lorraine J Spence
Lorna Alice Sterling*
Ashlee Rae Tom*
yetco Esther Voght*
Jerry Voght
specʔci Amelia Washington
NŁEʔKEPMX LANGUAGE FLUENCY DIPLOMA
Mary Christine Angus*
cáqʷəqʷpeʔ Leonard Antoine*
Ellen Antoine*
c̓uʔsinek Martha Aspinall*
Desiree Marie Collins*
Donna Anita Dunstan*
Elizabeth Garcia*
kʷəɬtézetkʷʔ (Bernice) Garcia*
Vonnet Hall*
Mandy Na’zinek Jimmie*
Jade Mercedes LaFontaine*
Siw̓kaʔ Joella MacKenzie
Annie Rose Major*
x̌aʔmísxms (Steffanie) Tera Michel*
Stacey Michell*
Gene Moses
Savannah Catherine Munro*
Lily Ned*
Merika Adrianne Sam*
Niklah June Shackley*
cicums Shuter*
Jerome Paul Smith*
Lorraine J Spence*
yetco Esther Voght*
Jerry Voght*
specʔci Amelia Washington
NSYILXCEN LANGUAGE FLUENCY CERTIFICATE
Christine Anne Alexander*
Trenton Marion Manossa-Gabriel*
Lillian Jane Marchand*
Samantha Smith*
ST’ÁT’IMCETS LANGUAGE FLUENCY CERTIFICATE
Ira Che Maley*
Jennifer Annette Narcisse
TRADES
ELECTRICIAN FOUNDATION
Jade Cynthia Lindgren
Isaiah Liam Andrew McDonald
Sei Okubo
Christopher Ortwein
Keagan Alexandra Pretty
PROFESSIONAL COOK I
Destiny Coutlee-Dumont
Shemar Bryan Dennison
Loki George-Loring
Alexander Manuel Aaron Olguin-Peterson
WELDER FOUNDATION
Korbin Ashton Adams
Matthew James Elliot
Dallas Tanner Grismer-Voght
Chloe Elizabeth Hughes
Bridgit Mary Jane Laidlaw
Larissa Alexis Law
Colton William Ritter Ward
Jaiden Rose Wilkinson Ramsey
UNIVERSITY TRANSFER
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS - CRIMINOLOGY
Haley Justice Anderson
Dalena Marissa Chanelle Gosnell
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS - GENERAL ARTS
Richelle Amber Bowe*
Jalen Chris McRae*
Mark Alexander Price
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS - FIRST NATIONS STUDIES
Nikita Russ-Morrison
BACHELOR DEGREES
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK
Katrina Raquel Agecoutay
Neda Ahmadi*
Meriel Ann Barber
Natalie Reanay Beaulieu*
Monika Boparai
Hildah Chikwempa Chongo
Miranda Elizabeth Forster
Shawna Rose Harris
Anisah Khan*
Karianne Jean Gail Kroeker
Melanie Rita Lecoy*
Elysabeth Mallari
Alexandra Jayne McGown*
Vanessa Elana Brynn Middleton
Jonathon Stuart Nolie
Fidelia Adaeze Omorodion
Brenda Ann Phillips-Charleyboy
Tamara Rose
Tanya Lorraine Simpson
Jazmin Jade Virk*
Sarah M Wightman
Dylan Zrobek
PARTNERSHIPS
UNIVERSITY OF THE FRASER VALLEY, BACHELOR OF INTEGRATED STUDIES
Lane Brewer
Elizabeth Brlecic
Dolores Eashappie
Gwendell Gaucher
Vanessa Gonzalez
Allan David Hall
Janet Harry
Robbie Hunt
Dawn McLean
Janette M. R. Price
Taya Lanette Rankin
Leonard W Robinson
Clifford G Ryan
Danielle Natasha Dawn Sangwais
Lisa Patricia Stewart
Brittany Vivier
Legend:
* Anticipated Completion by August 2026
AWARDS RECIPIENTS
NVIT graciously thanks all award donors for their continued support of our students. NVIT learners greatly appreciate your support recognizing their effort and achievement.
Association of BC Forest Professionals ForesTrust Bursary
BC Associaion of Social Workers Bursary
BC Energy Regulators Bursary
Campus Living Centres Bursary
Canadian Institute of Forestry Gold Plaque Award
Coldwater Indian Band Community Involvement Bursary
Corix District Energy Award
Dwayne Yamelst Memorial Scholarship
Eldon Nast Memorial Scholarship
Felix and Bernice Squakin Memorial Scholarship
FORED BC Bursary
Governor General of Canada Bronze Medallion
Helen Meilleur Memorial Library Research Scholarship
Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Colleagiate Silver Medallion
Lower Nicola Indian Band Development Corporation Bursary
Mercer Scholarship
NVIT Academic Achievement Award (ADST)
NVIT Academic Achievement Award (BSW)
NVIT Academic Achievement Award (DEV EDUC)
NVIT Academic Achievement Award (EDUC)
NVIT Academic Achievement Award (ENRT)
NVIT Academic Achievement Award (HEALTH)
NVIT Academic Achievement Award (HUMN SERV)
NVIT Academic Achievement Award (IECE)
NVIT Academic Achievement Award (JUSTICE)
NVIT Academic Achievement Award (LANG)
NVIT Academic Achievement Award (TRADES)
NVIT Academic Achievement Award (UT)
NVIT Administrative Staff Award-Certificate
NVIT Administrative Staff Award-Matching Diploma
NVIT Elders’ Council Bursary (MER)
NVIT Elders’ Council Bursary (VAN)
NVIT Leadership Award
NVIT Student Society Year-End Award (MER)
NVIT Student Society Year-End Award (VAN)
Pat Brownlee-Baker Memorial Scholarship
Scw’exmx Tribal Council Bursary
Sharon McIvor Award of Excellence
SISCO Bursary
Trent Malkoske
Benjamin Ingoldsby
Jaryn Brazeau
Megan Campbell
Nikki Flood
Richelle Bowe
Dawn Hutchinson
Lukas Homolicki
Dawn Hutchinson
Dallas Grismer-Voght
Lorna Sterling
Melanie Lecoy
Trent Malkoske
Kenneth Landgraff
Michelle Ross
Trent Malkoske
Shalynn Vermette
Paula Ramsey
Shalynn Vermette
Dawn Hutchinson
Kristen Ashley Kaelan Smith
Tasheena Recollet-Debassige
Kaelan Smith
Dylan Zrobek
Kenneth Landgraff
Savannah Pierro
Trent Malkoske
Song Yi Cho
Kasaundra Crozier
Baileigh Whitteker
Janna Simmons
Kitrina McDonald
Christine Yi
Desarae Devero
Trent Malkoske
Crystal Dudoward-Sterritt
Jessica Pinkey-Gregg
William Smerechanski
Aly Hemmerling
Annika Huang
Ashlee Tom
Jonathon Nolie
Kaelan Smith
Melissa Moses
Brienna Van Loon
Adam Morrison
Jaryn Brazeau
Leila Williams
Emily Lindley-Payou
Melissa Moses
Lonnie Tutt
$1,000 $250 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $500 $500
SYSCO Leadership Scholarship for Indigenous Students Spirit of Leadership (sne?m~m’ayntwixw) Student Ambassador Award
Three Links Foundation Future Leaders Award
TransMountain Bursary
Urban Spirit Foundation Scholarship
Te Ngaehe Award
Hector Fountain
Annika Huang
Ashlee Tom
Dawn Hutchinson
Edythe Handley
Hannah Henderson
Jay Simmons
Tanya Simpson
Jonathon Nolie
Dawn Hutchinson
Ira Maley
Peter White
Cameron Downey
HONOURABLE MENTION AWARDS
BC Schorlarship Society Indigenous Student Award
BC Scholarship Society Ike Barber Transfer Scholarships
Horatio Alger Scholarship
NVIT Student Housing Academic Incentive Award-26/sp
School District Authority Award
Hector Fountain Aaron Leon
Brianna Leon
Crystal Phillip
Crystal St. Louis
Dawn Hutchinson
Denise Sankey
Guy George
Isabelle Williams
Jamie Mould
Jonathon Nolie
Juanita Sampson
Kristen Ashley
Leila Williams
Melanie Lecoy
Merissa Gallup
Nehemias Andy
Richelle Bowe
Sage Tomma
Summer Price
Tamara Rose
Tonya Henry
Wendy Ward
Alyshia Hemmerling
Geraldine Doolan
Julie Bragg
Natasha Spencer
Roxanne Mierau
Tanya John
Aurora McDermott
Coralie Palm
Daryk Reinders
Dawn Hutchinson
Emily Friesen
Kai McAreavy
Kristen Ashley
Mya Dawson
Aurora McDermott
$1,500 $250 $250 $250 $250 $250 $250 $250 $1,000 $1,000 $500 $500 $500 $500 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $1,700 $4,500
$100 Certificate
$100 Certificate
$100 Certificate
$100 Certificate $100 Certificate
$100 Certificate $1,700
AWARDS RECIPIENTS WRITE-UP
written by Dawn Hutchinson Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Colleagiate
Dawn Hutchinson is a second-year Environmental Resource Technology graduate from the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in Merritt, British Columbia, with strong roots in Williams Lake and from the Esk’etemc First Nation (Alkali Lake). She is passionate about the outdoors, environmental stewardship, and learning about sustainable approaches to land management that incorporate both technical and Indigenous perspectives.
Dawn chose to attend NVIT because of its strong connection to Indigenous knowledge, hands-on learning opportunities, and supportive community atmosphere. Throughout her time at NVIT, she has grown both personally and professionally through land-based learning, industry networking, leadership opportunities, and practical experience in natural resource management.
Her studies, combined with her work as an assistant forester with West Fraser, have strengthened her interest in sustainable forestry practices and collaborative approaches to managing natural resources. Dawn especially values the relationships she built with instructors, classmates, and industry professionals, which helped build her confidence and leadership skills throughout the program.
Following graduation, she plans to return to West Fraser to continue building her career in forestry while pursuing her Registered Forest Technologist designation. She hopes to contribute to a future of forestry that balances environmental sustainability, industry needs, and Indigenous stewardship values.
Dawn would highly recommend Nicola Valley Institute of Technology to future students because of the welcoming environment, meaningful learning experiences, and strong sense of community that made her educational journey both rewarding and transformative.
AWARDS RECIPIENTS WRITE-UP
written by Paula Ramsey (Murphy) Governor General of Canada Bronze Medallion
My name is Paula Ramsey (Murphy) and I grew up in Merritt, BC. I love to spend time with my husband and 2 dogs, my parents, siblings and my niece and nephews. I also love to go for walks and hikes, and I enjoy any activity that gets my heart rate up.
I chose NVIT to complete the practical nursing diploma because it is a local school and I like how small it is. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and it has a great atmosphere. I like the fact that the campus is located right on the outskirts of a forest.
I completed the practical nursing program in December 2025, and I have been working full-time as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Nicola Valley Hospital since January 2026.
I would recommend NVIT to others as the class sizes are small, the tuition is affordable, and they offer many different programs. They also are supportive and try to ensure success for all their students.
k Wuk Wscémx W limləmt
COMMUNITY EDUCATION PRESENCE
Sik-E-Dakh
Bonaparte
Chilliwack
Fraser Lake
Vernon
Musqueam
Merritt
Merritt Secondary School
Bella Coola
Lax Kw’alaams
Hazelton
Stein Valley
Tahltan (Dease Lake)
Prince Rupert
Prince George
Whitehorse
Penticton
Kamloops
Iskut
Lillooet
Lil’wat
Sapotaweyak Cree Nation
Richmond
Chase
Williams Lake
Lake Babine Nation (Burns Lake)
Fort St. James
This year’s graduation ceremony reflects not only the achievements of our graduates, but also the collective efforts of the NVIT community who helped bring the event to life in meaningful ways.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the NVIT students and staff who generously contributed their time, creativity, and spirit to prepare special items for today’s celebration. The handmade cedar roses are a beautiful and symbolic gesture, created with care to honour the accomplishments of our graduates and the cultural traditions that guide us.
In addition, the decorative tablecloths seen throughout the reception venue were thoughtfully assembled by members of our community, adding warmth and intention to the space. These details—rooted in cultural respect and community pride—represent the NVIT difference and the values we hold as an Indigenous institution.
We are proud to celebrate this day with the support of so many who believe in honouring tradition, lifting each other up, and creating experiences that truly matter.
Thank you to all who helped make this celebration one to remember.
Illustration by Shannon Kilroy