OHSWEKEN, November 7, 2025 – On November 7, 2025, Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) marked a milestone with its first-ever graduation ceremony for the Advanced Diploma in Ǫgwehǫweh Language program. The event honoured six graduates for their academic achievements and their dedication to revitalizing Indigenous languages.
The Advanced Diploma in Ǫgwehǫweh Languages is a two-year program offered at SNP’s Six Nations campus. Delivered in an immersive learning environment, the program focuses on one of the six Hodinohsó:ni languages—Cayuga, Mohawk, Onondaga, Seneca, Oneida, and Tuscarora—through a cohort-based approach. Responding to the urgent need to preserve and strengthen these languages, the program aims to develop advanced-level speakers and future educators who will ensure these languages thrive for generations to come. Over the past two years, students in this cohort have studied the Cayuga language, recognizing Six Nations of the Grand River as home to the last remaining first-language speakers of Cayuga.
The ceremony included a student procession led by Indigenous Knowledge Guardian Eddie Thomas, followed by Ganǫhǫnyǫhk delivered by Language Instructor Shelby Bomberry. SNP Board Chair Kevin Martin provided the official welcome, with greetings and congratulatory remarks from SNP President and CEO Rebecca Jamieson and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Richard Anderson. The program also included a student address by Michael Hill, acknowledgments to the instructors and support staff by Senior Associate Dean Stevie Jonathan, and expressions of gratitude from Language Instructor Tania Henry to the Indigenous Knowledge Guardians and community members who visited students in class. These visits provided students with the invaluable opportunity to learn directly from first-language speakers. Closing remarks were delivered by Kevin Martin.
“SNP is honoured to serve as a hub for Ǫgwehǫweh language and knowledge and to continue to support the commitment of our instructors and learners who are dedicated to ensuring our languages flourish. The Advanced Diploma in Ǫgwehǫweh Language is an intensive program. The graduates have remained focused and by completing the program bring us renewed hope for the continuance of our ways of knowing and being. This, we know, is critically important in these times of division and conflict. On behalf of SNP's staff, I extend congratulations to the graduates and much appreciation to all who supported them in this part of their journey.”
- Rebecca Jamieson, President & CEO, Six Nations Polytechnic
Beginning in September 2026, SNP will continue its commitment to community-driven language revitalization with the launch of a new cohort in the Advanced Diploma in Ǫgwehǫweh Language program. Graduates of this program may choose to pursue further studies through SNP’s Bachelor of Arts in Ǫgwehǫweh Languages (BAOL) with advanced standing or begin their careers as language educators and revitalization leaders. For more information, visit www.snpolytechnic.com/programs-courses/cayugaimmersion.
2025 Graduates:
Alicia Henry
Elizabeth Henry
Kaleb Hess
Michael Hill
Cheryl Porter
Rose Thomas
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