NICOLA VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
BC’s Indigenous Public Post-Secondary Institute
GRADUATION
CLASS OF 2025
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—not only the diplomas, certificates and bachelor’s degrees earned, but the journey, the courage, and the determination that brought you to this moment. You have succeeded, and we honour you.
Graduation is both an ending and a beginning. It is the close of a chapter filled with learning, growth, and personal transformation, and the opening of new doors filled with possibility. At NVIT, we walk alongside you during this journey, rooted in the mission that guides everything we do:
sƛəq̓méyt ~ nakʷúlaʔmnt ~ sharing our traditional ways. This mission reflects the heart of who we are as an Indigenous-led institution. It calls us to honour our Elders, protect our knowledge systems, and ensure that education is not just about information, but about identity, wellness, and community.
Throughout your time at NVIT, you have lived out our vision: y̓ehełc̓I ~ x̌słcawt ~ our spirit, essence, emotions, and intelligence are good. You have grown in all of these ways— academically, emotionally, culturally, and spiritually. And through it all, you’ve helped to strengthen the collective spirit of our campus and the communities we serve.
Our values, learner-centred, academic excellence, community relevance, and organizational effectiveness, are not abstract principles. They are the foundation of a learning environment where you, the student, are at the centre, where your stories, your goals, and your potential matter, and where we support you in learning not only for yourself, but for the good of all.
You leave NVIT with skills, knowledge, and credentials that will open doors. But more importantly, you leave with a responsibility to use what you’ve gained in ways that honour the people and places that helped you along the way. As Indigenous peoples and as allies in this shared journey, we rise by lifting others. Your success is not only personal—it is communal. And now, as graduates, I challenge you to continue to put community first.
Give back in whatever way you can. Our stories remind us that we have responsibilities to share your knowledge. To be generous with your story. To mentor others. To advocate for change. and to support our people. Our communities need strong, wise, and compassionate leaders—and they need you. Whether you go on to further studies, return home to work, pursue dreams in business, education, health, trades, or beyond, you carry with you the spirit of NVIT. Let that spirit guide your choices and your leadership.
Education is a pathway—but it is not a solitary one. Every step you’ve taken to get here was made possible by those who believed in you: your nk seytkn ~ nəqsílł - the all, people you travel with.
Graduates, know that you will always have a home at NVIT. We are more than a school— we are a family, a community, and a home. We believe in you, and we look forward to witnessing the positive change you will bring into the world. You are the leaders, healers, builders, and knowledge-keepers of tomorrow—and that future is in very good hands.
Congratulations, Class of 2025. You’ve done something truly powerful. x̌ast aksck’wúlyou have achieved something that has taken great effort.
Dr. John Chenoweth NVIT President & CEO
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
A MESSAGE FROM THE HONOURABLE ANNE KANG, MINISTER OF POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION AND FUTURE SKILLS
Welcome to Nicola Valley Institute of Technology’s (NVIT) class of 2025 convocation ceremonies.
On behalf of the Government of British Columbia, I am honoured to be part of this celebration, which marks a significant achievement for the graduates, family, friends, faculty and staff. Congratulations everyone!
As graduates, your education is a powerful tool to shape the future and make positive changes in the communities around you. Your voice and actions can help create a world where all individuals are valued and heard.
You are the leaders of tomorrow, and I hope you continue to advocate for selfdetermination while working toward a future that is inclusive, accepting, and empowering for Indigenous Peoples and individuals from all walks of life.
I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. Congratulations once again on this important achievement!
Sincerely,
Hon. Anne Kang Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
WATCH MINISTER KANG’S VIDEO MESSAGE
JUNE
6, 2025 | VANCOUVER
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
10:30 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
NVIT Alumni Address
Student Society Address
Student Awards and Credentials
Closing and Lunch Prayer
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
12:30 PM- 1:30 PM
Group Graduation Photo and Gown Return
Lunch
JUNE
13, 2025 | MERRITT
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
10:15 AM - 10:30AM
10:30 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 - 1:15 PM
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
Group Graduation Photo and Gown Return
Lunch
LIST OF GRADUATES
ACADEMIC & CAREER
PREPARATION
INDIGENOUS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR
ASSISTANT MICRO-CREDENTIAL
Karman Kaur Tatla
BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATIVE STUDIES CERTIFICATE
Micah Ray Douglas Kirk
Justin Kyle Neasloss
ADMINISTRATIVE STUDIES DIPLOMA
Korben Williams Blachford
Keisha Shawnee Munro
FOUNDATIONS IN INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
CERTIFICATE
Cori-Dawn Eliza Peters
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION CERTIFICATE
Emma Peggy Leanne Azak
Jersi Rae Emmerick
Shannon Chelsea Ninham
EDUCATION
INDIGENOUS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CERTIFICATE
Anna Celeste Cahoose *
Haley B Cornish *
Shi-Anne Lee Dumont *
Kaitlin Patricia Flood *
Tonya Colleen Henry
Madison Tamarah Johnston *
Kalli Bre-Ann Johnstone *
Lillian Jane Marchand *
Coralie Lenaya Oppenheim *
Faye Payne *
Summer Grace Price
Chelsey R Reece
Margaret Danika May Robinson
Juanita Sampson-Alexcee
Denise Natalie Grace Sankey
Christina Robin Scaplen
Letisha Shulee Lillian Spahan *
Chantel A Trosky *
Desiree Dawn Whitely *
Selena Mary Williams
ABORIGINAL EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DIPLOMA
Kaylyn Marie Price
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE TECHNICIAN
CERTIFICATE
Kristen Ashley
Snow Flower Diablo
Dawn Hutchinson
Kimberly Breanna Ashley Rose Mike
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY
DIPLOMA
Hailey-Jean Catherine Johnson
Angela Jeane Marie Klassen
Justin Alexander McIvor-Tighe
HEALTH
HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE
Sharmaine Joy Padua Ananayo
Jan Barta *
Howell Geoff Borabo
Hailey Bradford *
Erica French
Shelley Lynn Grant
Kathy Pearl Hamm
Patricia Lynn Heisler
Celeste Alicia Henry
Lanny Robert Horkoff
Scott Alexander Kerr
Mckenzie Jane Manning
Carmen Marsh
Saravanan Soundara Pandian
Morgan Reece Warren
Baileigh Whitteker *
Caitlin Eileen Clare Wiebe
Cheryl Frances Wiens *
Olena Yordan
ACCESS TO PRACTICAL NURSING DIPLOMA
Ashley Linnea Boman
Kari Durban
Kennedy Padma Gore
Natasha Rae Green
Ginger D Jones
HUMAN SERVICES
INDIGENOUS HOLISTIC WELLNESS AND ADDICTIONS CERTIFICATE
Belinda Adolph *
Justin William Alenius
Carrie Melissa Bob *
Jenise Marellee Bob *
Megan Chelsea Ann Campbell *
Louella Chartrand
Rhonda Lee Gloria Cook
Trina Anne Greeley
Crystal Ann Rose Guss *
Harvey Leask
James Lubin Merisca *
Jamie-Lynn Napoleon *
Kathryn Cynthia Pike *
Joanne Kendra Quill
Tracy Lynette Redan *
Michelle Aimee Winzoski *
INDIGENOUS HOLISTIC WELLNESS AND ADDICTIONS DIPLOMA
Joshua Michael Barker *
Jade Susan George *
Allan David Hall *
William Joseph Gregory Smerechanski *
INDIGENOUS HOLISTIC WELLNESS AND ADDICTIONS ADVANCED DIPLOMA
Allan David Hall *
Robbie Wayne Hunt *
Clifford Glen Ryan *
Danielle Natasha Dawn Sangwais *
INDIGENOUS HUMAN SERVICES CERTIFICATE
Julianna Teresa Campbell *
Tamara Elizabeth Johnson
Marissa Elaine Kichard
Natika Lena Kunaka
Daryk Reinders
LeAnne Blaire Tom
INDIGENOUS HUMAN SERVICES DIPLOMA
Ryan David Alexander *
Moya Barbara Ball *
Shirley Louise Jack *
Shoshannah Liberman
Carrie Ann Louis *
Sultetku Cencenpinek Marchand *
Francine Miller
Leanne Dawn Narcisse
Michael Nolan *
Darryl-Jean Peeman *
Crystal Marie Phillip
Lisa Renee Richter *
Taise Hyacinth St’alhamlem Alec Shintah
Nina Laura Sidorczuk
Ty William Danial Stewart
Tina Tronson *
Raeley Madison Watkins
Leila Kaelene Ameilia Williams
TRADES
CULINARY ARTS PROFESSIONAL COOK 1
Sage Elizabeth Rose Adams
Ethan Ivan Angus
Jamie Ray Bennett
Serenity David
Isaiah Briant Walker Davis
James Carthew Merchant
ELECTRICIAN FOUNDATION
Madison Lee Beckman *
Liam Colten Cartie *
Cameron Downey *
Andrew John Graves *
Drake Henderson-Dumont *
Cayden Jonathan Loeppky *
Adrian Tyler MacKenzie *
Nick John James Morgan *
Nathan Ray Morris *
Exaiver Kwil-kin Michael Roberts *
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION FOUNDATIONS
Emily Claire Furber
George Robert Spahan
WELDING FOUNDATION
Rylan Bennett
Walker Ty Many Grey Horses
Korben Kristopher Stump
UNIVERSITY TRANSFER
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION - GENERAL ARTS
Cassidy Dunnigan
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS – CRIMINOLOGY
Emma Gregus
Angela N Nabess
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS - FIRST NATIONS STUDIES
Dianna-Jo Charleson
Holly Anne Desjarlais
Amy Marie Haller Pootlass *
Kaleen Shanae Pootlass *
Cheyenne Angel Tweedie *
Avannia Bettina Whonnock-Thomas
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS - GENERAL ARTS
Barbara Ann Abrahams *
Querstyn Charlize Havana Dawson *
Desiree Meghan Dick
Lisa Rose Dunstan
Melissa Elizabeth Moses *
Norma Ann Nahanee
Autumn Joy Quewezance
INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE FLUENCY
NADUT’EN LANGUAGE FLUENCY DIPLOMA
Jessica L Brown
Tanya M Brown
NŁEɁKEPMX LANGUAGE FLUENCY CERTIFICATE
Cherokee Feather Bent *
Desiree Marie Collins *
Donna Anita Dunstan *
Donald Thomas McIvor *
x̌aʔmísxms (Steffanie) Tera Michel *
Savannah Catherine Munro *
Shanny Nuyens *
Merika Adrianne Sam *
NŁEɁKEPMX LANGUAGE FLUENCY DIPLOMA
Kirsten Lyndsey Bob *
Denise Michele Tsatu Bobb *
Katrina Lynn Sam *
Jamie Mia Swakum-Antoine *
NSYILXCEN LANGUAGE FLUENCY CERTIFICATE
Birdy Baptiste *
Satyn Rayne Casimir-Eneas *
Caitlin Kruger *
NSYILXCEN LANGUAGE FLUENCY DIPLOMA
yilmi´xʔm (Florence) Fred
Dallas Joan Good Water
Sharmaine M Gregoire
Martie Janine Louis
Sarah Maureen Marchand
ST’ÁT’IMCETS LANGUAGE FLUENCY CERTIFICATE
Joanne John
Laura B Terry
Glena D Thevarge
ST’ÁT’IMCETS LANGUAGE FLUENCY DIPLOMA
Jolene Rosemarie Alec *
Francine Billy *
Joanne John *
Archie Qwáolxwa7 Manuel *
Laura B Terry *
BACHELOR DEGREES
BACHELOR OF NŁEɁKEPMX LANGUAGE FLUENCY
Leo Charlie
Andrew Dexel
Shenandoah Sunshine Shuta O’Donovan
William Sandy
Sondra Tom
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK
Meriel Ann Barber *
Kirsten Lee Ann Dickey
Maryn Juliah Marie Froste
Chrystal Marie Hayden
Shea Lee Henry *
Heather Ann Holland *
Regina Irving
Krystal Adele Jules
Keiko Kitamori
Alissia Lenore Lytton
Sherri Lynn Marino *
Jaimee Irene McGill
Sheena Rose Morin
Athena Elissa Nixson *
Sergio Nehemias Pérez
Ellen Rose
Casandra Eileen Schodt
Barleen Shoker
Alyssa Spence
Ei Phyu (Nicky) Swe
Chrissy Renee Thomas
Annette Julia Turley
Emma Roanna Maria Welsh
Kendra Allana Kayley Wragg
Legend:
* Anticipated Completion by August 2025
YEAR-END INTERNAL AWARD RECIPIENTS
ABCFP ForesTrust Bursary
BC Oil and Gas Commission Scholarship
Canadian Institute of Forestry Gold Medal Award
Corix, Fored BC Bursary
Dwayne Yamelst Memorial Scholarship
Felix and Bernice Squakin Memorial Scholarship
Governor General of Canada Bronze Medallion
Helen Meilleur Memorial Library Research Scholarship
Lieutenant Governor of BC Collegiate Silver Medallion
LNIB Development Corporation Bursary
Mercer Scholarship
NVIT Leadership Award
NVIT Administrative Staff Award - Certificate
NVIT Academic Achievement Award ENRT
NVIT Academic Achievement Award Human Services
NVIT Academic Achievement Award Language
Dawn Hutchinson
Shannon Chelsea Ninham
Justin Alexander McIvor-Tighe
Sherri Lynn Marino
Snow Flower Diablo
Patricia Lynn Heisler
Shannon Chelsea Ninham
Archie Qwáolxwa7 Manuel Casandra Eileen Schodt
Melissa Elizabeth Moses
Kristen Ashley
Keisha Shawnee Munro
James Lubin Merisca
Keisha Shawnee Munro
Danielle Natasha Dawn Sangwais
Coralie Lenaya Oppenheim
Snow Flower Diablo
Raeley Madison Watkins
Joanne John
NVIT Academic Achievement Award Trades
NVIT Elders’ Council Bursary
NVIT Student Society Year-End Award - Merritt
NRTG Austin Ingram Award
NVIT Administrative Staff Matching Award - Diploma
Sharon McIvor Award of Excellence
SISCO Bursary
sneɁm ~ m̓ayntwíxʷ (Song/Our Spirit) Leadership Award
scw’exmx Tribal Council Bursary
Three Links Foundation Future Leaders Award
Transmountain Pipeline Bursary
Urban Spirit Foundation Scholarship
Emily Claire Furber
Dawn Hutchinson
Crystal Marie Phillip
Hailey-Jean Catherine Johnson
Angela Jeane Marie Klassen
Justin Alexander McIvor-Tighe
Jamie Mia Swakum-Antoine
Shannon Chelsea Ninham
Snow Flower Diablo
Korben Williams Blachford
Dawn Hutchinson
Emma Gregus
Dianna-Jo Charleson
Avannia Bettina Whonnock-Thomas
Sergio Nehemias Pérez
Donald Thomas McIvor
Casandra Eileen Schodt
Justin Alexander McIvor-Tighe
Leila Kaelene Ameilia Williams
NVIT graciously thanks all award donors for their continued support of our students.
NVIT learners greatly appreciate your support recognizing their effort and achievement.
TESTIMONIES FROM AWARD RECIPIENTS
written by Archie Qwáolxwa7 Manuel
Governor General of Canada Bronze Medallion Recipient
Archie Manuel is a proud father of his daughter T’ecatqwa7 (pronounced Tli-hcat-kwa). They reside on the unceded territory of the St’at’imc (pronounced statlee-um) Nation in Úrwat (pronounced lit-watt), Mount Currie, and NQ’uatqua (pronounced ln-koo-aht-kooah), D’Arcy, BC. He is happy to also call the unceded territories of the Syilx (pronounced See-yeel-x), Secwépemc (pronounced suh-Wep-muhc), and Nłeʔkepmx (pronounced Ngkhla-kap-muhx) his home.
Raised here in Merritt and the nearby reserves of Quilchena and Spaxmen (pronounced Spahamen), Douglas Lake, his family has close ties to the land where NVIT stands today. Archie is a lifelong learner of the languages of the St’at’imc and Okanagan people; it has inspired him to gain a career in language revitalization. Starting with his mother tongue, he aspires to relearn the Okanagan, Secwépemc, and Nlaka’pamux languages, continuing the long tradition of multilingualism within the Interior Salish Tribes.
Archie has recently been promoted to be a Language Resource at the Xet’ólacw (pronounced hit-oh-lawhc) Community School in Úrwat with their Ucwalmícwts (oo-whalmeew-ch) Immersion Program, where his daughter attends. He is proud to be a part of her language learning journey there. His perseverance and dedication to the language shine when he is at work or in class. He is quick to help his fellow students, friends, family, or anyone who has questions about the language or culture of his people, role modelling the importance of the revitalization of language and culture.
He will be carrying on to the St’át’imcets (pronounced stat-lee-um-hitch) Language Fluency Degree this fall and wants to gain more knowledge to be able to help as much as possible with the language revitalization efforts here in British Columbia. Archie is thankful to all his teachers, elders, mentors, classmates, his family, friends, and his girlfriend Mabeline for all their support in his journey for language revitalization.
TESTIMONIES FROM AWARD RECIPIENTS
written by Melissa Elizabeth Moses Lieutenant Governor of BC Collegiate Silver Medallion Recipient
Melissa Moses is a proud Nlaka’pamux, Syilx, and Stl’atl’imx woman from the Nicola Valley, whose life journey has been rooted in service, sovereignty, and strength. Before attending NVIT, Melissa travelled internationally as a certified scuba instructor, worked as a disaster recovery specialist, and held leadership roles in the casino and maritime industries. Returning home, she reignited her commitment to community through traumainformed martial arts instruction and security services rooted in cultural safety. With a strong sense of responsibility to her people, Melissa entered NVIT with a desire to build on her lived experiences and further contribute to the protection and advancement of Indigenous rights and governance.
Melissa chose NVIT because of its Indigenous-centered approach to education and its role as a community-driven institution that nurtures leadership. She was especially inspired to attend NVIT to learn as much as she could from Sharon McIvor, an Indigenous lawyer, Lower Nicola Band member, and renowned advocate who successfully challenged sex-based discrimination in Canadian law. Sharon’s leadership in advancing Aboriginal rights deeply shaped Melissa’s commitment to justice. While completing the Associate of Arts - General Arts program, Melissa served on the NVIT Board of Governors and Education Council, represented Indigenous women at national forums, and supported grassroots movements like MMIWG2S+ advocacy and Indigenized Kids in the Know Safety Program. She is now pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work as a foundation for her long-term goal of completing a law degree, a master’s in Human Rights and Social Justice, and a doctorate in Indigenous Title and Rights. This award is dedicated to her parents—her mother, Verna Moses, and her late father, Robert Moses Sr, whose passing during her academic journey became a source of strength, purpose, and reflection. Melissa plans to continue advocating at all levels—community, national, and international—for the recognition and implementation of Indigenous self-determination.
k Wuk Wscémx W limləmt
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
PRESENCE
Agassiz
Bella Coola
Bonaparte
Burns Lake
Calgary
Chase
Chilliwack
Cook’s Ferry
Dease Lake
Edmonton
Fraser Lake
Hazelton
Invermere
Iskut
Kamloops
Keremeos
Labrador
Lake Babine Nation
Lax Kw’alaams
Lil’wat
Lillooet
Lytton
Merritt
Merritt Secondary School
Musqueam
Nooaitch
North Vancouver
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Penticton
Prince George
Prince Rupert
Sapotaweyak Cree Nation
Sik-E-Dakh
Smithers
Tsay Keh Dene
Vancouver - Other
Vanderhoof
Vernon
Whitehourse
Williams Lake
Witset
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