“I would like to encourage you to come back.”
“I started here as an undergrad and just never left.”
“We WILL meet again.”
“This is a place you can return to again and again, as I have done.”
One thing was very clear at this year’s Indigenous graduation celebration: The degree may be complete and the school year concluded, but the relationships that began here will endure and grow stronger with time.
From self-professed “lifer” Professor Rick Monture, who opened the event with a thanksgiving address, to Chancellor and twice-grad Santee Smith, to Elder in Residence Kathy Knott, who hugged each grad and reminded them that they’re her family now, Indigenous Grad was a testament to not only the students’ determination and accomplishments, but the deep bonds they’ve forged in their time here – with one another and with support networks through Indigenous Student Services (ISS).
“A lot of love went into this event,” said Indigenous Student Services director Chrissy Doolittle, whose office organized a vibrant and moving ceremony, with the support of the Indigenous Studies department and the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge.
Held in L.R. Wilson Hall, it was a shift from previous years’ celebrations in the Indigenous Circle outdoors on campus, as the event continues to grow, recognizing not only graduating Indigenous students, but any student graduating with a major or minor in Indigenous Studies.
Here are some highlights from the celebration:
Student-led drumming group Kindred Spirits proudly led the graduating students into and out of the concert hall.
Elder in residence Kathy Knott thanked students’ families “for allowing me the honour of being a grandmother to them.”
Kathy Knott reaches up to place a stole around Valerie Woodcroft’s shoulders at the 2024 Indigenous Graduation Celebration.
Kathy Knott places a purple stole around Darien Bardy’s shoulders at the 2024 Indigenous Graduation Celebration.
Every graduating student received not only a stole from Knott, but also a warm, heartfelt hug.
“I have had my life enriched by knowing each of these students,” Knott said.
“My mother used to say: Wherever you go, make it a better place, and each of you has made McMaster a better place.”
Kathy Knott and a graduating student go in for a hug as she crosses the stage at the 2024 Indigenous Graduation Celebration.
Indigenous Student Services Director Chrissy Doolittle speaks at the 2024 Indigenous Graduation Celebration.
“You are at the heart of what we do at ISS,” Indigenous Student Services director Chrissy Doolittle told the students.
“You’ve brought so much life to our spaces and our community. You have and continue to make your ancestors proud.”
MIRI director Savage Bear emceed at the 2024 Indigenous Graduation Celebration.
Chancellor Santee Smith, herself a McMaster graduate, spoke of her own ties to McMaster and reminded students that they can always find their way back here.
Graduation is just the beginning, Chancellor Santee Smith reminded students, who will “continue to learn, and to have that questioning mind” as they move through the world.
Graduates and others join for a round dance on stage.
Professor Rick Monture at the 2024 Indigenous Graduation Celebration.
The ceremony concluded with a round dance on stage and a thanksgiving address from Professor Rick Monture, who spoke affectionately of his time at McMaster as a student “who never left.”
