Candidates for Graduation Bachelor of Arts Community Advocates and Responsive Education in Human Services Chastity Jeffries Sonya Klippert** Bobby Lind** Katrina Rodriguez Native Studies Leadership Shoshanna Bayes Kanem Johnson Donna Rae Azure*** Caroline Lombard* Jamie A. Bryk*** Billy Metteba Tyron Friday* Michael Peters Sandra Horton Michael A. Schjang, Jr. Jewell Jefferson Tara Witcher Tribal Governance and Business Management Chrystal Battle George Moody Rachel Birkoski* Betty Pacheco* Lena Cladoosby Deanna Point Natasha Fryberg Melissa Streun*** Luke Heaton Latisha Toby Jonathan Herda Carolee Toby Valerie Herda* Andrea Tulee Christopher Horn** Patricia Luanne Williams Marcus Joe Seilavena Williams Melissa Rose Martin Candice Wilson* James Mathias Edna M. Wyena Bachelor of Science Native Environmental Science Matilda Brooks Noel Purser Azure Boure Julie M. Solomon*** Donna Dan Renae Stanley Sasheen DeCoteau Jessica Williams Leah Gobert Beth Willup* Phavion Gorman Carol Wilson Amy Rose Irons*** *Graduating With Honors **Graduating with High Honors ***Graduating with Highest Honors Keynote Speaker Deborah Parker, Tsi-Cy-Altsa (Tulalip/Yaqui) Deborah has been a selfless server within her communities for decades. She graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Ethnic Studies and Sociology where she distinguished herself as a scholar and a young indige- nous leader. Deborah lives in Tulalip with her husband Myron Dewey (Paiute/Shoshone) and their five children. As a leader within her community Deborah Parker shares nearly two decades of experience as a policy analyst, program developer, communications specialist, and committed cultural advocate and volunteer in the tribal and surrounding communities. Deborah developed two unique outreach and education programs for the Tulalip Tribes. Young Mothers was a culturally relevant program for teen mothers, and the Tribal Tobacco Program sought to inspire responsible tobacco use among tribal members, while acknowledging tobaccos sacred place in indigenous cultures. Prior to her work for the Tulalip Tribes, Deborah served as Director of the Residential Healing School of the Tseil-Waututh Nation in Canada, and in the Treaty Taskforce Office of the Lummi Nation, where she was mentored by American Indian leaders such as Joe Delacruz, Billy Frank, Henry Cagey and Jewell James. As a passionate advocate for improved education for tribal members, and a belief in the inherent right of all Native Americans to expect and receive a quality education, one that is free from racial or cultural bias, Deborah is focused on educational reform which includes developing curriculum that is a true reflection of an indigenous ethics and knowledge system. Deborah remains committed to education by volunteering her time in the local schools where her children are enrolled. In 2010 Deborah was honored with a Parent of the Year award from the Washington State Indian Education Association (WSIEA), and in 2011 the National Association of American Indian Education (NAAIE) also named her Parent of the Year. Deborah spent several years in communications and helped to produce video and print journalism for the Native American community, and her film credits include both documentary and narrative work. Northwest Indian College welcomes Deborah as a keynote. Student Speakers Bobby Lind, Aleut Lummi Campus Bobby Lind is Aleut from Kodiak and Chignik, Alaska. He is a shareholder in Bristol Bay Native Corporation and a member of the Sun'Aq tribe. Bobby is currently graduating with his Bachelor in CARE and Human Services and is entering into the field of Chemical Dependency counseling. Bobby and his loving partner Ani have one child, named Sebastian, who is a future fisherman. Donna Dan, Swinomish Swinomish Site Donna Dan, (Di-al-tsa) is a direct descendent to two major families of the Swinomish Tribe, the George and Dan Families. Her parents are Phil and Sharon Dan. Donnais graduating from the Bachelor of Science Native Environmental Science program with the help and support of each of her teachers and family. It has been a great honor to be a part of this college and program. 20172017 The NWIC faculty members walking with our students today are wearing traditional academic regalia. The colored hoods worn by most of the faculty are awarded for advanced degrees. The velvet colors represent area of study and the satin represents the school colors of the respective universities attended. Special thanks to the 2017 NWIC Graduation Committee, Faculty and Staff. The work that you do to support our students is very much appreciated! Additional special thanks to the 2016-2017 Student Executive Board for providing the 2017 NWIC Commencement theme, “Soaring into the Future!” Want to share your 2017 Commencement Photos with us on social media? Tag your photos #NWICGrad2017 2017 Commencement Committee Noelani Aure Chrystal Battle Patricia Cueva Shoshaunee Elliott Krista Mahle Soaring into the Future Michael McDaniel JUNE 16, 2017 Dave Oreiro Julia Orloff Lea Scott Wayne Woods 2017 Faculty Marshals Candidates for Graduation 2017 Commencement Program Associate of Arts and Sciences General Direct Transfer Lummi Nation School| 5:oo p.m., Friday, June 16, 2017 Summer Afraid Of Hawk Jane Jefferson Reyna Raymundo Tia Marie Allen Richard Jefferson Raven Redhorn Opening Zackariah Anderson* Marie G. Jefferson Colton Romannose Call to Order & Call Witnesses Jeremy Bagley* Devin Jimmy Nakona M Runningbear Opening by Master of Ceremonies.......................................Dave Oreiro, Vice President of Administration Gayle Benson Natalya Johnson* Rickyna Sam*** Suzanna Black Shadae Johnson Katrina Sampson Presentation of Colors ............................................................................................................American Legion Post #33 Rene Bracero** Virginia Jones* Melissa Scearcy* Procession of Graduates and Faculty............................................................................................Black Hawk Singers Dora Mae Brings Yellow Freda Kalama* Bethany Swift* Posting of Colors and Flag Song...................................................................................................Northwest Intertribal Tamara Brooks*** Angelina Keryte* Anne Marie Tahkeal President’s Welcome...................................................................................................................Justin Guillory, President Lena Buck Jack Klushkan Valencia Ahtaleen Tapuro Frank Burns Ty Koch Randy Tippins Board of Trustees Welcome......................................................................Kristin Kinley, Board of Trustees Chair Sara Carle* RoseMary LaClair Marlene Umtuch Faculty of the Year Award..............................................................................................................................Justin Guillory Harrison Crowe Maritza Leonard Marissa Veale Christian Cultee Susan Gail Martin*** R. Docavie Vendiola Speakers Leon Skamink Dunstan Henry Martin*** Sandra Wahsise Keynote Address......................................................................................................................Deborah Parker (Tulalip) Ronald Finkbonner James F McCloud II Katherine Waid* Student Speaker: Lummi Campus..............................................................................................Bobby Lind (Aleut) Marci Fryberg Morning Star Means-Marcellay Jeramiah Wallace Student Speaker: Swinomish Site.....................................................................................Donna Dan (Swinomish) Alison Garcia Jamen Nation Marie Washington Berne Givens Joseph Pantalia Chelsea Wells Candidates for Graduation Roberta Hall Melissa Pascal** Lavonna WhiteEagle-Brown Emma Norman, BSNES Department Chair Estabon Hayes Dalena Pavel* Kim Williams Vicki Hill* Rondiann Quasula Althea Wilson Lexie Tom, BANSL Department Chair Jessica Jack Faith Raymond Robert Wilson Laural Ballew, BATGBM Department Chair Clara Young Jason Dallmann, BACARE Faculty Native Environmental Science Business and Entrepreneurship Rudy Vendiola, Two-year Program Coordinator Olivia Hamilton Shirley Jones Kristen Kinley, Chair Natane Miles Megan Kennedy* Ryan Dean Miller** Tanesha Lane Larry Campbell, Vice Chair Carol Wilson Jared Parker Jana Finkbonner, Secretary Clarissa Salhus** Public and Tribal Administration Fred Scarborough Sandy Finkbonner, Treasurer Veronica Charles* Laura Wiggins* Celina Phair, LIBC Representative Melissa C. Gobin Rachel Phair, Member Associate of Applied Science-Transfer Associate of Technical Arts Presentation of the Class of 2017.........................................................................................Justin Guillory, President Early Childhood Education Chemical Dependency Studies Witnesses Valerie Adrian Katherine Lancaster-Jones Michele “Micki” Blighton Recession of Colors .....................................................................................................................American Legion Post #33 Vincea B. Hibbits** Information Technology Flag Retreat Song......................................................................................................................................Northwest Intertribal Heather Sullivan Allen Julius Valerie Coss Dennis A. Coss, Jr. Recession of Graduates Brandi Finkbonner Blessing of the food-Please join us for a community dinner! *Graduating With Honors **Graduating with High Honors ***Graduating with Highest Honors.