With over 400 registered indigenous tribes in the U.S., visibility for native students at LBCC is especially important. The school’s commitment to visibility was on full display at this year’s Native Graduation Commencement on Friday, May 10.
“Today is a day to be seen, to be celebrated, to be loved, to be heard,” said student equity director Eric Becerra.
The event was hosted by the school’s Native American Indigenous Collaborative (NAIC) where students were encouraged to participate in prayers and ceremonies to celebrate their achievements.
Drums could be heard from the room as attendees listened to guest performers Walter Ahhaitty and Jerry Smith.
Each graduate was given a feather tassel to wear as a symbol of achievement toward their next steps and their walk with the Creator, an entity in native tradition that is said to be the creator of the universe.
Feathers are seen as a symbol of honor, power, wisdom, trust, strength and freedom.
“When we make those choices, those decisions in our life, that may be scary or a leap of faith, follow it, believe in it,” said keynote speaker Brian Frejo.
The graduates brought along loved ones to celebrate their goals and were asked to share words of encouragement and pride for their native graduates.
The graduates and significant members of the community also participated in a blanket-wrapping ceremony, a practice that symbolizes achieving a milestone in one’s life.
Blanketing in Native culture signifies respect for those who have made an important contribution to the community.
“Keep learning, don’t think you know everything, when you think you know everything, the Creator is gonna teach you a lesson,” said Frejo.
The ceremony was followed by a buffet-style dinner where fry bread and stew was served.
Fry bread is a dish of the Navajo people who created this filling bread during their “long walk” when they were forced to make it from Arizona to New Mexico.
The official 2024 LBCC commencement ceremony will be held in the Veterans Memorial Stadium on June 6 at 4 p.m.