Traditional Cedar Hat Ceremony honors La Conner tribal graduates

It was hats off to La Conner High School's tribal seniors Thursday, May 30.

And hats on, too.

That's because those members of the school's Class of 2024 were honored during the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community's annual Cedar Hat Ceremony at Swedebs Park, an upbeat outdoor evening event featuring tributes from speakers that included four Swinomish senators and departing La Conner School District Superintendent Will Nelson, a member of the Blackfeet Nation.

The grads, donning their finely woven cedar hats and colorful robes, were escorted by the Swinomish Canoe Family and introduced by Swinomish Education Director Michael Vendiola, the program's master of ceremonies.

Launched prior to the COVID-19 pandemic by the Swinomish Cultural Events Department and since taken on by Vendiola and his staff, the ceremony aligns motivational remarks with the graduates' distinct cultural apparel.

It has proved to be an ideally balanced approach.

The cedar hats symbolize respect, protection and spiritual connection. The sacred cedar tree represents longevity, wisdom and purification.

Tribal elder Bev Peters opened the ceremony with a prayer offering.

She urged the graduates to carry on with gifts provided them by the Great Spirit. Peters prayed that the teens, with support from their families, will have the strength to pursue their dreams.

Swinomish Senator Greg Edwards likewise encouraged the graduates to take the next step in their life's journey, be it college, trade school, employment or military service.

"These goals are all reachable," Senator and elder Barb James said.

James, who recalled her own graduation in the 1970s, drew upon an incident earlier in the day to share her boundless optimism.

"I was wanting a cup of ice cream," she said. "It just so happened that someone in the social services building had ice cream. So, I was able to have some ice cream. If you wish for something, it can happen."

Senate Vice-Chair Alana Quintasket noted that as a La Conner School Board member she had the privilege of signing the graduates' diplomas.

"There are so many opportunities ahead for you," she said. "Let the love and encouragement of this day carry you forward. You've overcome so much, like the pandemic. It was a struggle. You needed to be social, and you were in lockdown."

Quintasket said members of La Conner's current graduating class are now positioned as role models for younger students.

"I see beautiful times ahead for you," she said. "Find your gift and learn what your passion is. Don't give up. Keep moving forward."

Swinomish Senator and Tribal Cultural Events Director Aurelia Bailey challenged graduates to devote their lives to doing great things, motivated always by having a good heart and mind.

"I know your family members are proud of you and where you are today," she said.

Bailey said the Cedar Hat Ceremony affirms the graduates' cultural values.

"I hope all your dreams come true," she said. "And with your hard work and believing in yourself, you'll go a long way."

Todd Mitchell, the Swinomish Director of Environmental Protection and a graduate of prestigious Dartmouth College, said graduates can count on support from the tribal community no matter how far they venture in the years ahead.

"You're going on to the next step in your lives and it's a big change," Mitchell said. "Remember, your community is always here for you. I went a long way away to college in New Hampshire and it was difficult sometimes, but I was grateful for the support and scholarships that I received."

Former La Conner School Board member Marlys Baker whose son, Ray, is a 2024 graduate, struck a positive note when it was her turn to speak.

"Follow your dreams," she said. "You can do anything. Keep it going. It's so good to see so many tribal graduates this year."

Nelson said he has enjoyed his three years leading the school distruct and is grateful for connections made at Swinomish, which was a focus of his doctoral work.

"It's been a wonderful time," he said. "Everybody has been so welcoming. There's a wonderful sense of community here. You have a responsibility to pursue your dreams. And then if you come back to serve your community, that would be awesome."

Myk Heidt, the retiring Swinomish Environmental Health Coordinator, got in the last word.

"There are many roads to travel," she said, "and I'm sure you'll choose the one that's best."