THUNDER BAY - Over 1,500 students walked across the stage to receive their diploma from Confederation College on Friday.
The school’s president, Jim Madder, said this year’s convocation is especially significant considering their 50-year anniversary.
For the ceremonies, the college brought out past presidents to speak about their time with the school.
“It’s interesting just to hear the contrast of what it was like even five or seven years ago,” Madder said. “48,000 graduates in 50 years, and they’re here in Northwestern Ontario contributing to the economic and social fabric of what we are.”
Pat Lang, who formerly served as president for 10 years, said her favourite part of the event was talking to students about their experiences and future ambitions.
“I always like to hear what [students] think about the program,” Lang said. “A lot of the times I just ask them if they have a job, and with the class I talked to, there was a very high percentage of graduates who are already gainfully employed.”
Another unique aspect of the event took form by way of attire.
Traditionally, all graduates blend in with their blue gowns, but Nichole Barkman-Lands wanted to wear her Traditional Anishinaabe Regalia instead.
“I’m a traditional dancer, and dancing is a part of your identity,” said Barkman-Lands, who also won the award of academic excellence for the aboriginal community advocacy program. “It was great because there’s lots of youth in here, so it’s great for them to see someone highlighting their identity.”
Barkman-Lands wrote a letter to the college beforehand requesting to wear the regalia. She said the college was more than welcoming to the idea.
“We’ve never had this many indigenous graduates, it’s about 350 in total,” Madder said. “The graduation of that class reflects who we’re becoming in Northwestern Ontario.”
For the college, there couldn’t have been a better person to epitomize the indigenous success in the school.
“All three of my kids we’re watching me graduate,” Barkman-Lands said. “It’s all worth it for them to see you and be proud of you.”
Barkman-Lands graduated with an spotless 4.0 GPA, and will be attending Lakehead’s Indigenous Learning Program in the fall.
During the afternoon ceremony, Seija McKay was awarded the governor general's award, and Bryer Twiss was awarded the SUCCI/OASA student leadership award.
