School District No. 35

The Langley School District’s Aboriginal Achievement Awards brought together students, families, staff, and community members for an evening focused on culture, connection, and celebration.  

Now in its 13^th year, the event recognizes students in Grades 9-12 from the District’s Aboriginal Education Program, including graduating students known as Golden Eagles. 

A highlight of the evening was the traditional blanketing ceremony, a meaningful honour in Indigenous culture that symbolizes love, pride, and respect. During the ceremony, blankets are carefully placed over each graduate’s shoulders as they are celebrated by family and friends.  

As well, the honouring of the Golden Eagles included drumming and song, recognizing their accomplishments and making an important milestone in their educational journey. The eagle holds significant meaning in Indigenous culture, representing strength and honour.  

The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and growth of students while encouraging them as they move into the next chapter of their lives.  

“Being held up by your community, bringing in culture and ceremony, and really getting an opportunity to be there in front of your family and friends in a cultural way, is really important for all of our students, as they can feel that grounding and bringing their ancestors forward,” said Colleen Hannah, the District’s Director of Instruction for Indigenous Education. 

As part of the ceremony, four witnesses were also invited to share words of encouragement and positive reflections for the students and graduates. 

“Having an opportunity to celebrate with their family, it’s just an extra enhancement that we feel is really important,” Hannah said.

While the evening celebrated a major accomplishment for graduating students, it also served as a reminder that their journey is continuing. 

“This is just part of your journey. This is not the end of your journey,” Hannah added.  

In addition, students in grades 9-11 were recognized on stage for various awards of achievement.