Why do we decorate our graduates??

Indigenous People are master scientists, inventors, historians, and navigators.

We have used our knowledge of the land, water, stars, plants, animals, and our human ingenuity to thrive in reciprocity for thousands and thousands of years. The genocide, and truly apocalypse of disruption caused by colonialism changed not only our knowledge of these incredible systems but the Way we passed that knowledge. 

The US Policy of church ran Boarding schools in specific decimated generations of our families. While mentorship, teaching, and learning was a fundamental part of our way of life, our first experience with what we now consider “school” was one of loss and trauma.

Now here we stand in 2025

Our students sit at this crossroads of that experience but with the opportunity to attend higher learning where-for many- it will be their first chance to learn Native history, learn their language, and spend time with Native scholars. 

Why do we decorate our graduates?

From stoles, to beaded caps, to ribbon gowns, Native people will ALWAYS decorate it so it is known. Our students are showing the world that despite all efforts to erase us they are still Anishinaabe.  They have neither killed the Indian Nor the Man. We show the world WHO WE ARE.  

In whatever way you KINAWAAJICHIGWEWIN (decorate things to be know) we celebrate you!