On June 11, 2026, the Vancouver School Board (VSB) staff of the Indigenous education department, alongside students and their families, celebrated the achievements of 105 graduating Indigenous students. Held at the Italian Cultural Centre, the excitement and pride were evident from the moment the doors opened.

Students gathered in the waiting room in anticipation of crossing the stage and sharing this milestone with family members, friends and peers. Among them was Sequoia Snuxyaltwa of Britannia Secondary, shuffling the pages of his valedictorian speech while receiving encouragement from friends gathered around him.

“I found out last week that I was chosen as valedictorian, so I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare. I am so honoured to be chosen from among all of Vancouver’s schools. I’ve done public speaking before, but not at this level. I really want to inspire people and share meaningful words,” said Sequoia.

After a brief wait, students were led into the ceremonial hall to the drumming of Tsatsu Stalqayu, Coastal Wolfpack, whose performance provided a spectacular opening to the celebration.

Ceremony host Brandon Peters welcomed guests sharing cultural knowledge and lighthearted humour.

The program included speeches from VSB leadership:

• Dr. Chas Desjarlais, director of instruction, Indigenous education
• Janet Fraser, vice-chair, VSB
• Helen McGregor, superintendent

Esteemed guests from the Indigenous community also shared stories, songs,and dances:

• Tsatsu Stalqayu, Coastal Wolfpack, performed a traditional welcome.
• Chief Ian Campbell of the Squamish Nation shared a canoe song.
• Brandy McCallum, Shawn Ray Gabriel and their son, Wyan One-Love Gabriel, performed a family dance.

The final speaker of the evening was valedictorian Sequoia Snuxyaltwa.

As he stepped to the podium, he took a deep breath, recognizing the significance of the moment. Not only was he addressing the graduating Class of 2026, but he was also paying tribute to the sacrifices of the Elders and ancestors who helped pave the way for future generations.

Like many of the Indigenous presenters before him, Sequoia shared his background, identifying his connections to the Nuxalk, Onondaga and Lil’wat Nations, and welcomed guests in the Nuxalk language.

“Comparing my high school experience to my mom’s high school experience shows that the colonial education system has made progress in creating safer spaces for Indigenous students, although there is still much work to be done,” he said.

He continued:

“I am proud of the 105 Indigenous students graduating today. We are breaking cycles. This is more than just an accomplishment for yourself. It is showing Indigenous youth and future generations what is possible for their future.”

With his inspiring words setting the tone for the remainder of the celebration, graduates crossed the stage one-by-one as the host shared a brief description of each student's future plans. Whether pursuing studies at a college, university,  in the trades, entering the workforce, or taking a gap year to explore new opportunities, each graduate was recognized for their achievements and future goals.

Congratulations to the Indigenous students of the Class of 2026. We wish every student a bright future filled with opportunity, success and continued growth.