In June 2025, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) proudly hosted a dedicated celebration to honour the NłeɁkepmx graduates within their homelands. Held in the heart of NłeɁkepmx territory, this meaningful event brought together graduates, their families, peers, Elders, community members, and local leadership to recognize and uplift the accomplishments of students who completed their post-secondary programs, including those in the Indigenous Language Fluency Degree pathway.
The celebration was rooted in cultural protocol and community pride. Graduates were honoured through traditional songs, drumming, and prayer, with Elders offering teachings and words of encouragement. The event highlighted the strength and determination of NłeɁkepmx students who walked in two worlds—carrying their ancestral knowledge forward while achieving academic success.
Families and community leaders stood in support of each graduate, celebrating their achievements not only as personal milestones, but as acts of Nation-building and cultural resurgence. NVIT faculty and staff also shared in the pride of witnessing the students’ growth and honoured the critical role of language, land, and family in the learning journey.
Held in a spirit of love, pride, and respect, the celebration acknowledged the graduates’ hard work and the collective effort it took to reach this point. It affirmed NVIT’s commitment to Indigenous education that is grounded in community, guided by cultural values, and accountable to the vision of the NłeɁkepmx people.
