NLC students who attended yesterday’s Convocation ceremonies in Dawson Creek  photo courtesy NLC

Dawson Creek, BC – More than 380 students from Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, and Tumbler Ridge were recognized during Convocation ceremonies held in Dawson Creek yesterday.

The students were graduating from 41 different programs offered at the college’s three compuses and were conferred with their certificates and diplomas during a ceremony in NLC’s aircraft maintenance engineerig hangar that drew local dignataries from around the region.

A highlight was the conferral of an Honorary Associate of Arts Degree on West Moberly Elder, Catherine Dokkie, who has touched the lives of many students in Chetwynd through her decades of work within School District 59 and at the college.  (L-R NLC President Laurie Rancourt, Catherine Dokkie, NLC Registrar Dr. Loren Lovegreen)

NLC Executive Director of Communications, Brad Lyon, says Dokkie was recognized for "her commitment to preserving heritage, supporting education and community service."

Speaking on his mother’s behalf, Dean Dokkie, told those gathered that her foundation of learning evolved from the belief that ‘our culture teaches us to finish everything we start.’

"When you live in the bush, you can’t lie to yourself – there is no such thing as ‘you can’t’," he said.  "You don’t have to be afraid to ask for help.  It’s about making up your mind and moving forward, even if (you) don’t feel like it."

NLC hosts three convocation ceremonies each year, with one held at the Fort St. John campus this past Thursday, and a ceremony set for Fort Nelson on June 22nd.