Communities celebrate graduations of Indigenous students

Communities are celebrating the graduations and accomplishments of Indigenous students. Little Red River Cree Nation recently celebrated the achievements of 10 women who graduated from IHE Interior Heavy Operator Equipment School with heavy equipment operator certificates. Students completed the 13-week program through a remote mobile program. “I [hope] to inspire other women to do whatever they want to do,” said graduate Lakeisha Metsikassus. Wikwemikong Tourism also celebrated the graduation of students from its inaugural cultural guide training program. Students gained training in the industry and from local knowledge carriers to ensure that they were prepared to respectfully give cultural tourism experiences and provide education to visitors and community members. The Cowichan Valley School District has seen a rise in high school graduation for Indigenous students, with rates jumping from 54% to 64% over the 2020/2021 school year.