Eleven members of Nuu-chah-nulth Nations took to the stage at the Alberni District Secondary School’s auditorium on June 18 for the 2015 VAST graduation ceremony.
A total of 45 students completed the School District 70 Alternative program, of whom 21 were of aboriginal heritage.
Huu-ay-aht grad Sylvia Dennis was chosen to welcome the guests to the event. Dennis thanked Tseshaht and Hupacasath on behalf of School District 70 for hosting the alternative programs in their traditional territories.
VAST principal Sean Petersen acknowledged that most of the grads had taken “the long way around or the path least taken,” but are now prepared to take on the world on their own terms.
“Many of you have a clear vision of where you would like to go next. Some of you will need some time to identify which path you'll take,” he said. “Draw your own map, and carve out the sort of life you’ve always dreamed of.”
Cliff Atleo, statesman and former Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council president, began his address in Nuu-chah-nulth, then switched to English.
“My name is Wickanninish and I am from Ahousaht,” he said. Atleo thanked the school for providing the opportunity for all students to achieve and to set their own goals. He then called for a show of hands from the Nuu-chah-nulth grads.
“I would like to plant a seed in the minds of Nuu-chah-nulth,” he said, then quoted the last words he heard spoken by his late father, in Nuu-chah-nulth.
“Literally translated, it means ‘You hang onto our language, because that is our identity as a people.’”
Atleo encouraged the Nuu-chah-nulth grads to see literacy in their own language and culture as an opportunity to build a life and career.
“I am an alumnus of this school,” Atleo concluded. “I graduated from ADSS in 1962. We didn't have VAST then. I’m very glad that we have it now.”
Each grad was called up to the podium to receive their certificate and to give a speech. Some opted to have a written statement read by the presenter.
Like many grads, Uchucklesaht member Moriah Cootes thanked the VAST teaching staff.
“I’ve learned quite a bit in my time here at VAST. Not just about school, but about life,” she said, “And I’d like to add a shout-out to my little sister. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her.”
Cootes later accepted the Scott Fraser MLA Bursary for demonstrating an interest in social justice.
Ucluelet First Nation members Marissa David and Henry Jack opted to have principal Petersen read their thanks. David would later accept a SD 70 Bursary.
Sylvia Dennis thanked her teachers and family, then added, “And thank-you to the non-believers. I thank you for giving me motivation.”
Mature student Nicholas Gus, a member of Tseshaht First Nation, added his thanks to the Nuu-chah-nulth Employment and Training Program for enrolling him in the Bridging to Trades Program.
“And I’ll say this to my fellow grads: don't have too much down time. Work, volunteer, go to school. Get up in the morning.”
Gus later accepted an Adult Education Bursary.
Alannah Jules of Tseshaht was brief and succinct in her thanks to VAST staff. She later accepted the Gerry Stoutley Memorial Bursary for demonstrating “resiliency in order to achieve goals.”
Peter Lewis, also of Tseshaht, opted to have Petersen read his thanks.
Tyler Nookemus of Huu-ay-aht stepped up to a wave of cheers.
“I’d like to thank the Fam. God. And USMA for keeping me in school. And The Squad (unidentified).” He would later accept one of two District Dogwood Scholarships from ADSS principal Rob Souther.
Shaylynn Sam and Xavier (Chad) Samuel, both of Ahousaht First Nation, gave quiet thanks to family and VAST staff.
Terri Touchie of Ucluelet First Nation acknowledged the help she received before attending VAST.
“I’d like to thank the principal, Ms. Carol Sedgewick of Ucluelet Secondary School for staying by my side all these years and helping me get this far. The teachers at Ucluelet Secondary for always believing in me, Val Morrison at North Island College for encouraging me in my math, and VAST for allowing me to complete my Communications and graduate this year.”
Joining Ha-Shilth-Sa in the “photo pit” was recent VAST grad Nicole Watts, who won an award at the 2014 Cowichan Aboriginal International Film Festival for a documentary film, Our Stories: By First Nations Teen Parents.
As a teen mom, Watts turned to the Alternative program in order to complete high school, and discovered that she had a true taste for learning.
“VAST is the reason I graduated and it’s the reason I really push myself,” the young Tseshaht member said. “At VAST, I was able to do my scheduled schoolwork at my own independent time and to excel at my own pace.”
As a thank-you, Watts has photographed each VAST Grad since 2012. She recently completed a contract at the Comox Valley Adult Learning Centre, teaching people over 50 how to use the latest technology and social media, and to build their own websites.
