Class of 2025: Indigenous Graduation celebrates future teachers, leaders and Knowledge Keepers

On June 11, Writing Symbols Lodge hosted its annual Indigenous Graduation Celebration at the University of Calgary. More than 300 Indigenous students graduated this year and 78 of the cohort attended the event with their loved ones, making it a day of celebration, healing and empowerment for many families and communities. 

Cultural elements were woven throughout the day’s events, including an Elders’ blessing, a grand entry, a traditional gifting ceremony, and lively Métis performances by the Denby family and the Kikino Northern Lites dancers. The celebration concluded with a community Round Dance, honouring the resilience and determination of each graduate.

Graduates received a Boychief blanket, presented in ceremony by First Nation Elders from Treaty 7 and Métis Elders from southern Alberta, and a hand-beaded medallion, presented by faculty deans and representatives. Métis graduates also received a sash to signify their connection to the Métis community, wrapped by Métis Elders. Graduates with doctorate and Juris Doctor degrees received an eagle feather, and this year, each graduate was also gifted an eagle plume, generously donated by Tobias Ear, from the Stoney Nakoda Bearspaw First Nation.

The ceremony also included a heartfelt tribute to two graduates who received degrees posthumously. Their families accepted the graduation gifts on their behalf, and drummers Eya-Hey Nakoda sang an honour song in tribute to the graduates’ enduring legacies.  

For some grads, these gifts represent more than just their own achievement; it’s an acknowledgement of the collective effort of their families and communities. Andrea Heron, Juris Doctor graduate from the Faculty of Law, asked that her mother be wrapped in the ceremonial blanket in her place. 

Heron, who entered university as a mature student, says the gesture was about more than recognition. “I think because of the historical and ongoing contemporary impacts of intergenerational trauma, education was never highlighted in my family,” she explains. “I saw this ceremonial moment as an opportunity to gift [my mother] an experience that could plant seeds of healing.”

Graduates empowered to bring knowledge back to their communities

The Werklund School of Education and the Faculty of Social Work had the highest number of Indigenous graduates in attendance — 24 and 19 students, respectively. 
Trevor Wade, of the Kikino Northern Lites Dancers, reflects on the importance of seeing growing numbers of Indigenous graduates:

“There’s been a lot of darkness over the past hundred years […] but this Métis movement, this Indigenous movement we have among our people, it’s bringing light to us, and we need all the knowledge keepers we got.”

Among those graduating was Natasha Liske, who earned her Master of Social Work, now works with CASA Mental Health supporting Indigenous children and youth. A granddaughter of a residential school survivor, Liske takes a Two-Eyed Seeing approach, weaving together Indigenous knowledge with clinical practice.

“[By] going to a Western school system and bringing that knowledge back, others can look at me and see that they can do it too,” explains Liske.

“I never had an Indigenous teacher until I was doing my master’s [degree],” says Dr. Teena Starlight, a member of Tsuut’ina Nation who earned her Doctor of Education this year. “So that’s what I wanted to be, an Indigenous teacher for Indigenous students.”

Guided by the Indigenous instructors and Elders she encountered throughout her education, Starlight has become a leading advocate for land-based learning, focusing on the restoration of Tsuut’ina knowledge systems and the affirmation of cultural identity in schools. 

Her contributions were recognized with this year’s Dr. Olive Dickason Award, presented by Writing Symbols Lodge for overcoming circumstances of adversity and demonstrating outstanding community leadership.
Reflecting on her journey, she shares:

“It feels like I can live now. All those struggles I’ve had — raising my family, working full time while going to school part time — now that it’s done, I feel the fight isn’t over, but I don’t have to fight as hard.” 

Jennifer Whitehead, of Whitefish First Nation, graduated with a Bachelor of Education and is already eager to uplift the next generation. In her experience leading cultural workshops, she’s seen firsthand how representation can empower Indigenous youth. “I notice a lot of youth are speaking up and raising awareness about the issues in our community,” she says. “Once they have that person to look up to, they realize they also have a voice themselves to write their own journeys.”

Whitehead’s path to graduation was not without its hurdles. She credits her faculty and Writing Symbols Lodge for helping her overcome academic challenges during difficult times. “[The Indigenous Graduation Celebration] is a reminder of everything I’ve gone through and everything I’ve accomplished […] I feel really inspired and I just want to bring more change and keep advocating for my community and my Indigenous people.”

Writing Symbols Lodge

Each June, Writing Symbols Lodge proudly hosts the Indigenous Graduation Celebration to honour the achievements and recognize the future aspirations of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students at the University of Calgary. This celebration is made possible through the generous support of campus and community sponsors.

Beyond graduation, Writing Symbols Lodge provides academic, personal, and cultural support services and programs to prospective and current Indigenous students, and offers a welcoming and supportive learning environment for the whole campus community.

To learn more or get involved, visit Writing Symbols Lodge in the MacEwan Student Centre (MSC 390Z), contact: writingsymbolslodge@ucalgary.ca.