Lambton College Hosts 13th Annual Indigenous Student Success Celebration
SARNIA, May 26, 2025 – Lambton College kicked off its 2025 Convocation season with the 13th annual Indigenous Student Success Celebration on Friday, May 23. The event, an important component of Indigenous Education at Lambton College, celebrated 55 Indigenous graduates from postsecondary programs, Apprenticeship, and the School Within a College (SCWI) program.
“On behalf of Lambton College, I want to congratulate these graduates on their academic accomplishments and everything they have achieved in their time at the College,” said Rob Kardas, President & CEO, Lambton College. “Many of these graduates have had an indelible impact on the College with the Indigenous Student Council and through their work on events like the Pow Wow, Round Dance, and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We are grateful for their hard work and dedication.”
The Indigenous Student Success Celebration featured traditional songs from First Nation drum Pathfinder and remarks from Marie Short, Resident Elder at Lambton College, Chief Kimberly Bressette from Kettle & Stony Point First Nation, Chief Leela Thomas from Walpole Island First Nation, and representative Laura Spero, Postsecondary Counsellor, from Aamjiwnaang First Nation. Kardas and other members of the Lambton College Executive Management Team also gave remarks. Graduates were joined by loved ones, friends, supporters, and members of the Indigenous Education Council as their accomplishments were recognized.
The Indigenous Student Success Celebration was founded 13 years ago after an Indigenous Lambton College Alumna brought forward the idea of hosting an event dedicated to Indigenous graduates. It has been an integral part of Indigenous student success at Lambton College ever since.
Lambton College recently made a significant commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation through relevant Indigenous protocols in its new Strategic Plan. The Indigenous Education Council has also updated the Indigenous Academic & Student Success Plan, a guiding document that provides direction to the College on better serving Indigenous learners and communities.
On June 15, Lambton College will mark the ten-year anniversary of having signed College and Institutes Canada’s Indigenous Education Protocol, a commitment to addressing Indigenous Peoples’ learning needs and supporting self-determination and socio-economic development of Indigenous communities. Lambton College is also looking ahead to substantial completion of the Indigenous Outdoor Gathering Space this summer, as well as the completion of its inaugural Truth & Reconciliation Task Force Report.
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