Greetings from the AFN National Chief on the 43rd Annual First Nation Graduation Ceremony

25 May Greetings from the AFN National Chief on the 43rd Annual First Nation Graduation Ceremony

On May 25, 2018, 128 Indigenous graduates were honoured at the 2018 First Nation Graduation Ceremony held at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse.  Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde sent the following message to mark this special occassion.

MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS NATIONAL CHIEF PERRY BELLEGARDE

On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations and our National Executive Committee, congratulations on your graduation!

I wish all of you the best as you embark on the next chapter of your personal journey.

As graduates, we acknowledge your dedication and all the hard work that you applied to your studies. You should be very proud of your accomplishments.

That same hard work and pride in your abilities is going to help you overcome any future challenges you may face. It will help you stay focused on a path to a brighter future.

To all the teachers, educators and parents out there, a special thank you for all you do to support and nurture our young generation of learners.

Your example and commitment contribute directly to the improvements we see in graduation rates and academic achievement. To you graduates, I know that you will continue to move forward on your journey of lifelong learning.

Whenever you can, give back to your First Nations. Our young people are now looking to you as role models. You bring hope and promise to the future for all of us.

Take pride in who you are as First Nations people and all that you can offer. I hope you have a great summer and I wish you all the best as you begin a new and exciting journey.

Let’s continue to keep our circle strong.

Kinanāskomitin

Perry Bellegarde
National Chief
Assembly of First Nations