Grad Booklet 2026

NICOLA VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BC’s Indigenous Public Post-Secondary Institute

GRADUATION CLASS OF 2026

GRADUATION 2026

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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.

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CONTENTS President & CEO’s Message

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Elder’s Message

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Message from Hon. Anne Kang

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Vancouver Campus

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Merritt Campus

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List of Graduates

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Award Recipients

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Acknowledgements

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GRADUATION 2026

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PRESIDENT & CEO’S MESSAGE 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: sƛ̓əq̓ méyt ~ nak̓ʷúlaʔmnt ~ 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: y̓ ehełc̓ I ~ x̌ słcawt ~ 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.

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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’wúl you have achieved something that has taken great effort.

Dr. John Chenoweth NVIT President & CEO

GRADUATION 2024 || GRADUATION 2026

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ELDERS’ MESSAGE Being an Elder means many things, not only to us who sit on the NVIT Elders’ Council, but also to the learners, faculty and staff of NVIT. For some we are the keepers of wisdom and source of support to those seeking advice. For others, we become the adopted grandparents and family left behind in communities far away as you come here to become more educated. While many of you are here, we learn and share with you for we too are learners. For those of you coming here you leave one community to join another, a community dedicated to helping you further your education. In the beginning many of you are like small children, learning how to walk and how to use the new skills being given to you. A lesson we have grown up with is that the children are not the property of the parents, rather the children are the property of the community and it is the duty of all community members to help the children with the lessons to be learned. While you have been here we have all watched you grow and learn, we have seen you testing your new skills and making big steps with confidence and pride. Today we share your pride and share the happiness of your family members who have come from your community to our community to celebrate your success. As you leave here today you take with you knowledge and skills to help not only yourselves, but to help others, and to help those children who have yet to be born. Like us you will continue to learn and grow with each passing day, and the knowledge and skills you possess will grow along with you. We are very proud of each and every one of you, thank you for making us a part of your lives and we will always hold you in our prayers.

NVIT Elders’ Council Nicola Valley Institute of Technology

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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 GRADUATION 2026

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JUNE 5, 2026 | VANCOUVER 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Gown Pick-up and Official Portrait Shoot

9:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Preparation for Grand Entry

9:45 AM - 10:00 AM

Grand Entry

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

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

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11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

Group Graduation Photo and Gown Return

12:15 PM- 1:30 PM

Lunch

NICOLA VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

JUNE 12, 2026 | MERRITT 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Gown Pick-up and Official Portrait Shoot

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Preparation for Grand Entry

10:00 AM - 10:20AM

Grand Entry

10:20 AM - 12:30 PM

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

Group Graduation Photo and Gown Return

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

Lunch

GRADUATION 2026

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LIST OF GRADUATES

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NICOLA VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

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 GRADUATION 2026

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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

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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* c̓ uʔsinek 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* téy̓ steʔ 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* c̓ uʔsinek 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

GRADUATION 2026

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UNIVERSITY TRANSFER

PARTNERSHIPS

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS - CRIMINOLOGY Haley Justice Anderson Dalena Marissa Chanelle Gosnell

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

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

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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 Gold Plaque $550 $550 $2,500 $500 $250 $250 $250 $500 Medal $500 Medal $500 $500 $500 $400 $400 $400 $400 $400 $400 $400 $400 $400 $400 $400 $400 $250 $250 $500 $500 $250 $250 $250 $250 $250 $250 $1,000 $1,000 $500 $500 $500 $1,000 $500

GRADUATION 2026

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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 Hector Fountain

$1,500 $250 $250 $250 $250 $250 $250 $250 $1,000 $1,000 $500 $500 $500 $500

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

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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

$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.

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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.

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kWukWscémxW limləmt huy chexw a Thank You

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

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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.

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Illustration by Shannon Kilroy

Experience the NVIT Difference nvit.ca Toll free: 1.877.682.3300

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