From the Nominator

For the past 14 years, Simon Fraser University has hosted an Honouring Feast to recognize and celebrate the achievements and legacy of Indigenous graduates, through culturally appropriate ceremony and protocol. Produced collaboratively by SFU’s Indigenous Student Centre, and the Ceremonies and Events department, the Honouring Feast occurs as part of SFU’s Convocation week schedule, and is a highlight for our Indigenous students, staff, and faculty alike. 

In 2020, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic produced a unique challenge for the Honouring Feast planning committee: How to adapt an event based on age-old Indigenous protocol and tradition to this new virtual environment in a way which would still honour the spirit and intent of this important celebration. The Honouring Feast was therefore re-envisioned as a Virtual Honouring Ceremony. 

With 250+ Indigenous graduands, their family, and friends in attendance from across the province of British Columbia, the event was a great success, made even more special by coordinated food delivery to the grads and their families, as well as the presentation of cultural gifts, mailed to the graduates in advance of event day. Indigenous leaders and elders, along with cultural performances, were featured at the event, along with remarks offered by the president and chancellor, and a slideshow featuring the names and photos of our graduating students. 

Cooperative interdepartmental collaboration on a short timeline resulted in a very successful and culturally appropriate celebration that honoured the Indigenous cultures represented at SFU, in a completely new digital environment.

From the Judges

Thoughtful and culturally sensitive conversion of a meaningful traditional event to a virtual event. Demonstrated commitment to inclusion relative to the caterers, elders, and their access to the internet.