Some of the graduates are seated on stage as ceremonies begin. In total there were four Aboriginal grads from Osoyoos Secondary School, 22 from Southern Okanagan Secondary School, and 16 from Similkameen Elementary Secondary School. (Richard McGuire photos)
Aboriginal graduates from the three high schools in School District 53 were honoured Tuesday evening at the Aboriginal Graduation Ceremony in the theatre at Osoyoos Secondary School (OSS).
The event coincided with National Aboriginal Day, which falls on June 21.
In total, there were four Aboriginal grads from Osoyoos Secondary School, 22 from Southern Okanagan Secondary School (SOSS), and 16 from Similkameen Elementary Secondary School (SESS), though not all could attend the ceremony.
The students were ushered onto the stage to the sound of drum beats and were welcomed by Mike Safek, principal of OSS.
Gloria Bent, an elder with the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, gave the opening prayer in the Syilx language and then congratulated the students in English, urging them to continue learning.
Kali Gabriel-Baptiste and Tyrell Allison then took over as masters of ceremony as Indian band and Métis representatives, brought greetings and presentations were made to graduating students.
The Valedictorians’ Address was given by Chelsea Wilson of SOSS and Emily Sheppard of SESS.
Parent Jay Gabriel and District Aboriginal Teacher Helen Gallagher also spoke before Safek gave closing remarks.
By Richard McGuire
