On June 12, 2025, educators, friends, loved ones and elders from each of the host nations, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), gathered to celebrate the achievements of the Indigenous grad class of 2025 at VSB.

The evening began with piano accompaniment by Len Isbister of Métis Nation. As students entered the hall of the Italian Cultural Centre, they were drummed in by Musqueam’s Coastal Wolfpack. Alec Dan provided a welcome from Musqueam and congratulated students on their accomplishment. Gabriel George of Tsleil-Waututh Nation delivered words and the Chief Dan George prayer song. Latashkinem Williams and Rosetta Nahanee of Squamish Nation delivered the final welcome and gifted to students the Chief’s Welcome Song.

This was followed by words from director of instruction for Indigenous education, Chas Desjarlais; Board chair Victoria Jung; superintendent Helen McGregor and valedictorian Carmen Hill.

“Today we are here to celebrate your remarkable achievements. Remember to carry your culture and language with you. Embrace your heritage and let it guide you. You are the embodiment of your ancestors’ dreams,” said Desjarlais.

“Graduating today for a lot of Indigenous kids is more than just finishing school. I believe we carried our ancestors’ strength, perseverance and resilience with every step we took. To our families, thank you for your sacrifices, love and wisdom. Thank you for holding us up when we wanted to fall. To our Indigenous education workers and counsellors, thank you for looking out for us while doing as much as you could to help us succeed,” stated Hill in her valedictory address.

The ceremony was also a celebration of the rich and diverse Indigenous cultures alive within students and families. Within VSB, there are a total of 2,244 self-identified Indigenous students from nations located across Canada. Nyla Bedard of the Tahltan and Kaska Nations performed an energetic fancy shawl dance and Petie Chalifoux of the Driftpile Cree Nation delivered a masterful hoop dance.  

The students’ secondary experiences were unique, but all were filled with a sense of pride for what they accomplished. “The thing I’m most proud of this year is all the accomplishments I’ve had in sports,” said graduate Tessa. “My basketball team came third in provincials for AA.”

Graduate Eyvette was proud to set an example for younger siblings. “I’m looking forward to watching my younger siblings graduate after me,” said Eyvette.  

Moving forward, the Indigenous grad class of 2025 are embarking on varied journeys. With many continuing their learning at university, through travel or careers in trades. Graduate Ashton was happy to be completing secondary school and looks forward to starting a career in the trades. His mother Linda beamed with pride reflecting on her son’s accomplishments. “I’m super proud of Ashton, he’s actually an apprentice plumber now and is going to be taking his level 1 through a VSB partnership starting next week. He’s gone through so many challenges and here he is.”

In beautiful display of accomplishment, 155 Indigenous students walked across the stage to cheers and applause as they received their credentials. Loved ones were jubilant, proud and some overcome by the emotion of seeing their child celebrate this major milestone.

Congratulations to the Indigenous grad class of 2025!