May 29, 2020, Denver, Colo.—COVID19 has caused the cancellation of graduation ceremonies, an education rite of passage. While physical celebrations may not be possible, the American Indian College Fund joined several national organizations serving Alaska Native and American Indian students hosting a Virtual Indigenous Commencement (VIC) on Facebook to celebrate scholars’ achievements with family and friends. National Native leaders shared their messages for Native graduates with a special video on VIC, the digital platform created to celebrate Indigenous students around the world who graduate from high school, college, vocational programs, graduate programs, and more.
Graduates, families, and friends shared comments, statements, photos, or videos of graduates on the VIC public group on Facebook. College and education leaders will be able to share their video messages on VIC throughout the summer of 2020. Supporters can share their congratulations and gratitude with Native graduates of the Class of 2020 across social media by using the hashtags #2020NativeGrad and #dearNativeGraduates.
