AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Historic Graduation for Indigenous Art Certificate Program
Members of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation gathered this week to mark a significant milestone: the graduation of the first cohort from the Northern Indigenous Arts Certificate program. The event, held at the Tree of Peace in Yellowknife on October 7, honoured eight graduates who earned post-secondary credits while learning and practicing traditional Indigenous art.
Collaboration Fosters Indigenous Arts Education
The program is a partnership between the Yellowknives Dene First Nation’s Dechı̨ta Nàowo and Portage College, located in Lac La Biche, Alberta. Together, they developed a curriculum that emphasizes traditional crafts, enabling students to strengthen their cultural connection while advancing their education. The initiative particularly aims to fill a gap in accessible arts education for young people in the region.
Student Experiences: Reconnecting with Culture
Graduate Rebecca Doctor described the program as a meaningful journey back to her roots. Having grown up far from Yellowknife, Doctor used the opportunity to connect with the arts of her culture, notably spending over a month crafting a parka. "It was really fun to make and it fits me perfectly," she said, reflecting on the pride she feels in her completed work.
Challenges and Achievements in Traditional Crafts
Fellow graduate Henry Ben Martin, who was named class valedictorian, shared his enthusiasm for learning new artistic techniques alongside his peers. He cited the challenge of creating a bracelet as his favourite achievement, saying, "[It] was kind of hard and challenging, but it was good and [a] success." Martin delivered a speech at the graduation ceremony, highlighting the positive environment and camaraderie among his cohort.
Program Development and Impact
Margaret Erasmus, director of Dechı̨ta Nàowo, explained that the collaboration with Portage College was designed to bring a northern perspective to Indigenous arts education. "We thought it was time that we started getting post secondary credit to give the students credit for their knowledge and their achievements," Erasmus stated. She added that Dechı̨ta Nàowo has traditionally focused on academic programs but recognized the importance of fostering cultural knowledge through the arts.
Erasmus expressed pride in the graduates and the accomplishments on display at the ceremony, noting the visible happiness and pride the students felt for their heritage and handiwork.
Next Steps for Graduates
Students who completed the certificate program can continue their studies at Portage College, which offers additional traditional arts courses. Erasmus emphasized that programs like this help to break down barriers for students by making it easier to meet entrance prerequisites and by giving formal recognition to culturally significant skills.
Celebrating Achievement in Indigenous Arts
The graduation ceremony featured cake and commemorative photos, highlighting the collective celebration of educational achievement and cultural revival. The event brought together students, instructors, family, and community members to mark the progress being made in Indigenous arts education and traditional crafts.
Source: cbc.ca.
