Four paddles made by First Nations artists will be part of this year’s Convocation for North Island College.

According to the college, a convocation ceremony is an event dedicated to celebrating the graduating students of the school year across their four campuses, with the students able to grab their graduation cap and regalia and enjoy a day of photos and applause.

This year’s ceremonies will include four ceremonial paddles handcrafted by K’omoks First Nation’s Karver Everson, Wei Wai Kum First Nation’s William Henderson Jr., Kwagu’ł First Nations Mervyn Child, and Tseshaht First Nation’s Gord Dick. Each paddle represents the different traditions and stories of each Nation they represent.

The college says the paddles also represent strength and resilience.

“In addition to being an important part of NIC’s convocation ceremonies, a consensus among the artists was the intent to have the paddles inspire their people and make them feel proud,” said North Island College.

“While each artist’s approach differed, all shared a common goal to create works of art that uplift, educate and celebrate their people.”

For Henderson Jr., he says he wants the paddles to warm the hearts of their people, while Child says some of the symbolism reflects empowerment and enlightenment, which comes through education.

For Gord, he says his culture is always moving and evolving like nature, with Everson saying a part of the story in his paddle is about his Nation’s territory and those who call it home.

The ceremonies will take place later this month, starting with Port Alberni’s on June 12, followed by Campbell River and the Comox Valley on June 16, with the last ceremonies set for Comox Valley on June 17.

To see the dates and locations of each ceremony, click here.