Indigenous graduates from the Ottawa-area post-secondary institutions, including Algonquin College, were celebrated on Friday April 26 during the 16th annual Indigenous Graduate Honouring Ceremony held at La Cité.

Students from Algonquin College, Carleton University, La Cité, the University of Ottawa and various other institutions gathered at Excentricite to celebrate their achievements in a ceremony which included Indigenous guest speakers, ceremonial drumming and musical performances.

Jay Odjick, a writer, artist, and television producer of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg delivered a keynote to inspire the students on their education journey. Odjick is known for his graphic novel and television series Kagagi: The Raven, children's book Bear for Breakfast (with Robert Munsch). He was Department of English at the University of Ottawa's first Indigenous writer in residence in Fall 2023. 

Amongst invited elders were Barry Sarazin, Trudy Metcalfe-Coe and Marie-Louise Peron. Kahente Horn-Miller and Darren Sutherland acted as the masters of ceremonies for the event.

Student speakers Randy Kakegamic (Algonquin College) and Alexandra Whiteduck (University of Ottawa), nominated by their peers, took to the stage to offer inspiring words for their fellow graduates.

The SpiritWolf Singers provided an opening song, closing song and honour song for graduates during the ceremony. The evening also saw a performance by hoop dancer Makhena Rankin.

Algonquin College thanks the IGHC organizing committee and its partner institutions, and acknowledges all the graduates, their families and all the work and support that helped make this ceremony possible.