CDE Field Trips - 5/28/24: Indigenous Graduation Ceremonies in Cherry Creek and Boulder Valley School Districts

CCSD and BVSD Indigenous Graduation Ceremonies - May 2024

Georgina Owen, Colorado Indian Education coordinator, visited two Indigenous graduation ceremonies in May 2024 in the Cherry Creek School District and Boulder Valley School District, celebrating American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian graduating seniors. The Daily Camera wrote a piece on the event that took place at CU Boulder. The ceremony included a blessing, drums and an honoring speech followed by a presentation of stoles for the graduating seniors. The Cherry Creek event was organized by Dr. Aspen Rendon, Cherry Creek School District director of Equity, Culture and Community Engagement, and Jeffrey Chavez, Indigenous and Native Student Community liaison. The BVSD event was coordinated by Yvette Salas, the American Indian Community liaison.The first three photos are from the event at Cherry Creek School District. The last four are from Boulder.