OFNIE Students From Northern Quebec Unite at Fall Convocation

Whereas the commute for most McGill students who are convocating in the fall is just a bus, metro, or car ride away to Place des Arts, the students from the Office of First Nations and Inuit Education (OFNIE) had a bigger journey to contend with. On October 28^th, 16 Cree and Inuit graduates traveled down from Northern Quebec to participate in McGill’s Fall Convocation and to celebrate their milestone achievements. With them, they brought family of all ages and friends as well as partners from the Cree School Board and Kativik Ilisarniliriniq.

There was a luncheon at McGill’s Faculty Club on October 29^th where students received their red and white scarves and official words of congratulations from McGill Education leadership. The floor was opened up for students to get up and speak. Several graduates rose to the podium to pour out heartfelt words, some using their mother tongue. Regardless of the language, the emotion was universal and could be felt throughout the room. The pre-graduation celebration concluded with a prayer before the group left for Place des Arts’ Salle Wilfrid Pelletier for the formal graduation event that afternoon.

OFNIE students have the unique opportunity to study for their education degrees and certificates in-community. This convocation was a beautiful moment that united the McGill community from near and far, and was a unique and rewarding experience for these Cree and Inuit graduates.