In June 2025, the En’owkin Centre hosted a powerful and heartfelt celebration to honour and recognize the accomplishments of nine Indigenous language graduates—four Nsyilxcn and five Nlaka’pamux language learners—who successfully completed their certificate or diploma programs in Indigenous language fluency.
The event was filled with cultural pride, joy, and deep emotion. Guests were welcomed with traditional singing and drumming, grounding the celebration in the languages, lands, and teachings of the Syilx and Nlaka’pamux peoples. The ceremony featured inspiring guest speakers, including Elders, language champions, and institutional partners, who spoke to the significance of language revitalization and the leadership demonstrated by each graduate.
A highlight of the celebration was the graduate-led gifting and recognition, where each student honoured those who supported their learning journeys—families, Elders, instructors, and community members. This act of reciprocal gratitude reflected the collective strength behind each individual achievement.
The event was a true celebration of the resilience, dedication, and spirit of Indigenous language revitalization. It recognized not only the academic achievements of the graduates, but also their role as knowledge holders and future teachers who are breathing life back into their ancestral languages for generations to come.
