College convocation centers Indigenous culture, protocol
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, 澳门六合彩开奖结果查询 College reflects on its commitments to reconciliation and the rich history, diverse cultures and significant contributions of Indigenous peoples.
鈥淲hile we still have work to do, this has been a meaningful year for 澳门六合彩开奖结果查询 College鈥檚 journey toward reconciliation,鈥 says Rhea Dupuis, Associate Director of Indigenization at the College. 鈥淔or the first time, communities came together at each of our four college campuses to celebrate graduates, where ceremonies centered around Indigenous protocol.鈥
June marks the first time that 澳门六合彩开奖结果查询 College has held commencement and convocation ceremonies at every campus, including in Penticton, Kelowna, and Vernon 鈥 the traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx 澳门六合彩开奖结果查询 Nation 鈥 and in Salmon Arm, the traditional and unceded territory of the Secw茅pemc Nation. Organizing five convocation ceremonies in four different communities created a unique opportunity to honour and celebrate Indigenous cultures, traditions and protocols.
鈥淚t 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,鈥 adds Dupuis. 鈥淭he ceremonial Eagle Staff plays a prominent role in our commencement and convocation ceremonies, representing all nations gathering in unity to celebrate, and we鈥檙e grateful to our partners and community members who helped ensure the ceremonies were done in a good way.鈥
While Indigenous ways of knowing were woven into each ceremony, for the second year, Indigenous graduates who crossed the stage received special convocation stoles designed by Syilx 澳门六合彩开奖结果查询 and Secwepemc knowledge keeper and artist, Les Louis. Embroidered on the stoles are Syilx and Secwepemc pictographs of a canoe family and three eagles.
According to the most recent statistics available at 澳门六合彩开奖结果查询 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鈥檚 four campuses, including in Vernon, Salmon Arm, Penticton and Kelowna.
The College encourages students, staff, faculty and the broader community to honour National Indigenous Peoples Day by considering attending a local event, supporting a local Indigenous business and taking time for individual reflection.
More information about Indigenous initiatives at 澳门六合彩开奖结果查询 College can be found at okanagan.bc.ca/indigenization.
