Yukon First Nations graduation turns 50

The parking lot of the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse was full on Friday, and the building surrounded by well-dressed young people and their proud families. Despite the smoky conditions in the city, there was much to celebrate. 

Over 120 Yukon First Nations students celebrated their high school graduation this week, and participated in the 50th First Nations graduation ceremony on Friday. 

The graduates were from communities all across the territory, including the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, Liard First Nation, Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation, Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Taku River Tlingit First Nation, and others.

Graduates at the annual ceremony wear traditional regalia, unique to them and representative of their journeys. Family members often help make the regalia.

Graduate Marielle Wenzell is Taku River Tlingit and credits her mother for her outfit as well as the special touch a cedar graduation cap by Michelle Williams brings. She felt proud ahead of the ceremony.

Tyler Goodwin-Hall, from Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation, worked on his jacket with his Nona. It was a technical challenge, he said.

Elisha Dulac from the Kluane First Nation, whose traditional name is Kama Dzea, wore regalia decorated with weasels and bison, animals she's harvested since childhood. Both her mother and grandmother helped design her regalia. She said on Friday that she was grateful for the small community she's from, and all the support which led her to graduation day.

Speaking to CBC News at the ceremony, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston offered some advice to the graduates. He said showing up is key, as well doing your best, having clear intentions, and not being too hard on yourself. 

"We've got to recognize our young people as much as we can," he said.