Before this year’s Indigenous Graduate Celebration began, Kendal Garlow joined the other graduating students and a tight-knit group of faculty and staff in the Indigenous Studies department for photos — and a surprise.
With everyone gathered, Garlow’s supervisor, Adrianne Lickers Xavier, presented her with an eagle feather in recognition of her achievements and all it’s taken to get to this point.
Garlow just completed her MA in Indigenous Studies, and she’s been to her share of graduations. But this was the first time she’s cried at one.
“This is my first degree where I feel like I am part of a family, where I feel like I have a space where I belong,” she said afterwards.
Kelsy Chan and Kendal Garlow, the first graduates of the first cohort of the new MA in Indigenous Studies. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
Garlow, one of three students in the inaugural MA cohort, also spoke at the event with fellow MA grad Kelsy Chan, addressing students and a packed L.R. Wilson Concert Hall.
The celebration of Indigenous graduating students from all disciplines, as well as students graduating from Indigenous Studies, was organized by Indigenous Student Services, with the support of the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge, the McMaster Institute for Indigenous Research and the Indigenous Education Council.
Student drumming group Kindred Spirit leads the parade of graduands in to the Indigenous Graduate Celebration in L. R. Wilson Hall. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
From the moment the student drumming group Kindred Spirit led the students in, to the final group hug afterwards, the event truly did feel like a large family gathering, with warmth, hugs, song, laughter and tears.
A group hug for Kindred Spirits drummers and the students and friends who joined them in leading out the graduating students. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
The celebration honoured not only the students’ accomplishments, but also those of their families and ancestors, and the communities that supported them on this journey.
“Thank you to all of the families of our graduates for being here today and for trusting us to care and support for your loved ones during their time with us,” said Chrissy Doolittle, director of Indigenous Student Services. “We hope that we have provided a home at McMaster where they feel valued, seen and supported.”
“While we have lots to celebrate, tonight feels bittersweet as we are sending many students who make up our community on to their next chapter.”
Chrissy Doolittle with graduating students Seth Cabezas and Alexis Hachey-Brown. Both will receive President’s Awards for Excellence in Student Leadership at their official convocation ceremonies this month. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
“The work we do in ISS is an incredible privilege,” Doolittle said, her voice giving way to emotion.
“We’ve been lucky to laugh with you, cry with you, share meals with you, learn from you, advocate for you, and cheer you on. We’ve witnessed all of the hard work that’s led you to today. … Whatever the path looks like for you, we always believed in you and we knew that you would make it here.”
Tekenikhon Doreen — along with “assistant CISSA co-chair and future Mac grad” Teha’stenhrakwa — opened and closed the celebration with a thanksgiving address.
There were many people and reasons to celebrate: More than 20 undergraduate students from a breadth of faculties are graduating this year, as well as the MA graduates and the first graduate of the 2 + 2 pathway in Indigenous Studies through Lambton College.
And student leaders Alexis Hachey-Brown and Seth Cabezas will each receive a President’s Award of Excellence in Student Leadership at their convocation ceremonies this month for their contributions to CISSA and the Indigenous Student Athletic Council, respectively.
“This year, we launched a new Indigenous Marauders logo in partnership with Athletics and Recreation,” Doolittle said, “and Alexis and I participated in a new student affairs podcast focusing on belonging in place, an opportunity to highlight the impact spaces like ISS can have on the indigenous student experience.”
From left: Student Brittany-June Gamble, MIRI Director Savage Bear, Professor Renae Watchman, Vice-Provost Indigenous Beverly Jacobs, Chrissy Doolittle and student Lindsay Miller in the Round Dance. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
“When you cross the stage at your McMaster convocation ceremony, wear the Indigenous Pride celebration stole that you’ll receive tonight and be proud of who you are and all that you’ve achieved,” Chrissy Doolittle said.
This was the first Indigenous Graduate Celebration for Beverly Jacobs, the inaugural vice-provost, Indigenous.
From left: Beverly Jacobs, Savage Bear, Kitty R. Lynn Lickers, Adrianne Lickers Xavier, Elder Kathy Knott. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
Swipe through below for more scenes from the day:
In photos: Indigenous Graduate Celebration 2026
- A group hug for Kindred Spirits drummers and the students and friends who joined them in leading out the graduating students at the spring 2026 Indigenous Graduate Celebration. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
- Chrissy Doolittle and CISSA co-chair Alexis Hachey-Brown. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
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CISSA (Co-operative of Indigenous Students, Studies and Alumni) co-chair Tekenikhon Doreen — along with “assistant CISSA co-chair and future Mac grad” Teha’stenhrakwa — opened and closed the celebration with a thanksgiving address. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University) - Student drumming group Kindred Spirit leads the parade of graduands in to the Indigenous Graduate Celebration in L. R. Wilson Hall. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
- Kelsy Chan and Kendal Garlow, the first graduates of the first cohort of the new MA in Indigenous Studies. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
- Adrianne Lickers Xavier and Kelsy Chan during the stole ceremony. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
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“When you cross the stage at your McMaster convocation ceremony, wear the Indigenous Pride celebration stole that you'll receive tonight and be proud of who you are and all that you've achieved,” Chrissy Doolittle said. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University) -
CISSA co-chairs Tekenikhon Doreen and Alexis Hachey-Brown deliver a tribute to Dixie Doxtator as the other three founding members of Kindred Spirit drum group hold up the blanket they are gifting her. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University) -
Chrissy Doolittle joins the singing and drumming outside L.R. Wilson Concert Hall at the conclusion of the ceremony. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University) - From left: Student Brittany-June Gamble, MIRI Director Savage Bear, Professor Renae Watchman, Vice-Provost Indigenous Beverly Jacobs, Chrissy Doolittle and student Lindsay Miller in the Round Dance. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
- From left: Beverly Jacobs, Savage Bear, Kitty R. Lynn Lickers, Adrianne Lickers Xavier, Elder Kathy Knott. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
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Brittany-June Gamble gets her stole and a hug from Chrissy Doolittle. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University) -
The Honour Song. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University) - Indigenous Student Services Director Chrissy Doolittle and Seth Cabezas at the 2026 Indigenous Graduate Celebration. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
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Graduating students stand in a row behind Kindred Spirits drummers as they perform on stage in L.R. Wilson Hall. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University) -
Graduating students, faculty and staff members join the round dance on stage at the Indigenous Graduate Celebration. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)