UFV Indigenous Grads 2026 and Honouring The Elders Who Lead The Way

I had the honour of taking the after-ceremony photos for the UFV Indigenous graduates as they celebrated a major milestone in their educational journey. Graduation is already a powerful moment, but seeing Indigenous students stand proudly with friends, family, and fellow community members made it much more special and meaningful.

As I am also at UFV completing the business program, I understand the difficulty and how much it means to have the proper support to remain dedicated and resilient throughout a difficult economic time and to learn to balance work, school and personal life. So for the students who made it through, congratulations and I see your consistent effort throughout your programs and studies.

This is a time for you to celebrate, it represents your hard work and commitment to do what our Elders before us has fought so hard for to experience. It represents the next generation stepping into the path made for us by those who love us.

Alongside the graduates, the evening also carried another powerful moment for not just one family but everyone who is connected to this family, who seems to have their wings spread throughout the Fraser Valley and beyond. Nancy Patricia Charlie, who is known throughout the Sto:lo communities as "Auntie Pat" was awarded Doctor of Laws.

As I continue to work with the community, this name was everywhere, and I even had the amazing opportunity to do interviews and film a small project with her. She is a soft-spoken, well-connected and highly knowledgeable teacher.
She has helped connect families to reconnect to culture, rebuild systems of care such as childcare in the Fraser Valley and restore practices that some say would've otherwise been lost. She is a well-known advocate for cultural wellness and restoring tradition. This award is well deserved and hearing the families speak about her brings so much clarity to the impacts she's made throughout the communities.

This connection between youth graduates and the honoured Elders is what makes these events so special and important. We honour the generations that step into the opportunities that were made by Elders leadership and commitment that made these opportunities possible.

I will also be continuing to photograph Indigenous graduates after photos over the next couple of days as well and honouring those who've made an impact for this generation. I am grateful to witness even more families, students and community members that come together to celebrate.

These are moments that deserve to be remembered!

Photos can be downloaded by pressing the photo above or clicking the link below. I just ask you to please leave me a review on my website. Thank you!

https://ckhogan.pixieset.com/ufvgraduationceremony2026/