2016 Graduation Ceremony for Indigenous Students at Western University

Annya Bimadoshka Pucan Western Grad
Annya Bimadoshka Pucan Western Grad

By Shirley Honyust

Hearts beat wildly as the drum played welcome and honour songs for the 2016 graduating students at the Indigenous Students Graduation Ceremony. The 4th annual grad ceremony hosted by Indigenous Services Department was held at the International and Graduate Affairs Building on the campus of Western University.

Since many students will be leaving London and going back home, this was their last chance to get together with their peers. The Indigenous Services Department presented the perfect opportunity for students to honour their success together and wish each other fond farewells.

Celebration surrounded Annya Bimadoskha Pucan, a recipient of the prestigious Valio Markkanen Aboriginal Award of Excellence. The annual award goes to one Aboriginal graduate student and one undergraduate student who have achieved excellence in academics while contributing to their Aboriginal community.

Annya was taken back with the award. “I was surprised, actually, as it is only the 2nd year this award was offered. The first year I applied for it and was not selected, although I knew that the competition was stiff among all of the Indigenous student population at Western.”

She has excelled at Early Childhood Education and Teaching; Psychology and First Nations Studies and Indigenous Health and Well Being. She is presently working towards a PhD in Anthropology focussing on the field of medical anthropology.

Annya was buoyed by the strong support of Student Counsellor Mandy Bragg and Professor Regna Darnell of the Department of Anthropology and the Founding Director of Western’s First Nations Studies Program.

To these accomplishments Annya will soon be presenting at the Annual Meeting of the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association to be held this May in Honolulu, Hawaii. She is fundraising with First Nation and Dream Catchers and gofundme.ca.

Annya’s application for the Valio Markkanen Award began with these words. “Boozhoo! Bimadoshka n’dishnikaas. Zaukiing doonjibaa. My name is Bimadoshka Pucan, Turtle Clan. I am Anishinaabeg-Kwe from Saugeen First Nation in the Bruce Peninsula and I am definitely not the typical university student.

At 41 years and a single mother of three boys ages 16, 10, and 8 years, I am enjoying the success of commitment, dedication, and perseverance. My family practices our traditional culture and we remain closely connected to our home community. Upon completion of my educational endeavors I plan to return to my reserve and work for my community and support their needs to the very best of my abilities.”

 

The graduate students and award recipients enjoyed their day with families and friends who supported them throughout their academic journey. Singers for the occasion were Purple Spirit, a big drum group, Sisters of All Nations, the women’s hand drum group, and as a finale — Lotunt Honyust from Oneida of the Thames, who sang social songs for the graduates, to see them off in a good way.

 

Guest speakers were Brent Debassige from the Caribou Clan of M’Chigeeng First Nation with Myrna Kicknosway of Walpole Island and Elder Bruce Elijah of the Oneida of the Thames.

 

Twenty-two graduate students were honoured at the event including: Xnia Brown from Haida Nation Raven Clan; Ashley Deacon from Opaskwayak Cree Nation; Jessica Duke from Chippewa of the Thames; Coral Ann Fenner and Marshall Hill, both from Oneida of the Thames; Jasmine Fournier from Garden River First Nation; Valerie Hopkins from Lenapee/ Delaware Nation; from Six Nations: Janie Hill of Tuscarora, Carly Jamieson of Onondaga, Stevie Jonathan Mohawk, Alycia Montague, Cayuga, Kelsey Powless, Mohawk and Hailey Thomas Wilson Mohawk; Jessica Karjanmaa, Metis; Jared Lees from Pays Plat First Nation; Gerrilynn Manitowabi from Wikwemikong First Nation; Dan Moreau, Metis; Kia Peters from Caldwell First Nation; Danielle Robinson and Aireal Starr from Pic River First Nation; Cassie Shiell from Snuneymuxw First Nation and Lillian Woroniuk from Moose Cree First Nation.

 

The 2016 Valio Markkanen Aboriginal Award of Excellence was also awarded to Danielle Robinson.