Indigenous pre-convocation celebration in Cornwall

Submitted by Shirley Chaisson, Indigenous Student Advisor, Cornwall/Brockville and Shannon Hall, Educational Developer/Curriculum Consultant of Indigenous Ways of Knowing & Being 

Indigenous Services was thrilled to host our pre-convocation celebration to honour the remarkable 2025 graduates from the Iohahi:io and Cornwall campuses. 

As MC, Shannon Hall, Educational Developer & Curriculum Consultant of Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being, opened the night with a shortened version of the Ohenten Kariwatekwen, meaning “the words that are spoken before all others,” also known as the Thanksgiving Address. This traditional greeting acknowledges and thanks all elements of Creation and serves as a daily reminder to live in harmony with all living things.  

Following the opening, Jennifer Haley, Dean of Professional Services & Innovation, provided a meaningful and thoughtful Land Acknowledgment. Next, Shelley Aylesworth-Spink, Senior Vice-President of Academic & Student Success shared some inspiring words and future insights our latest SLC Alumni. Rounding out the speeches and encouraging words was Courtney Potts, Iohahi:io's Student Success Administrator, who shared inspirational thoughts and some good 'ol humor. 

Which brought us to feast-time, where exceptional food and fantastic conversations led to the night’s finale, our Blanket Ceremony! Each student was gifted a blanket and was ceremonially wrapped by two family members or chosen delegates. 

Bestowing a blanket to mark big achievements is a cultural practice shared among many different Indigenous communities. Historically, it was common to use blankets in trade, give as gifts, offer to record community history and for some, blankets hold deep meaning and traditions linked to birth, life, and death. Blankets were and continue to be elemental in ceremonial practices for Indigenous peoples and are integral to ceremonial celebrations such as weddings, namings, coming of age and puberty rights, to name a few. 

St. Lawrence College acknowledges and gives thanks to the Indigenous communities for trusting and allowing us to be a part of their journey and we honor the relationship by bundling each student in a blanket and safely returning them to their families and community(s). 

Congratulations 2025 Cornwall and Iohahi:io Graduates! You did it! Go into the world and do well, but more importantly, go into the world and do good.