Native American House Congratulatory Ceremony

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Picture of Alma Mater decorated in a Native blanket with different shades of blue and white, as well as a graduation stole with Native/geometric designs in darker colors. There is also a big "I" in orange, blue and white leaning against Alma Mater. There are clear blue skies and the Illini Union in the background, alongside trees and plants.

The Native American House is honored to recognize and celebrate Native American, Alaska Native, First Nations, and Indigenous students graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Throughout the event, you will hear congratulatory messages from Elders, University leaders, members of the Native higher education community at UIUC, and other special guests. We will also celebrate with traditional songs, dances, and a graduate blanket ceremony. To close, guests will enjoy a Native-themed buffet-style dinner.

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
  • Time: 4:00-6:30 p.m.
  • Location: Illini Union: Rooms A, B, & C

Graduating students are invited (but not expected) to wear traditional dress to the Ceremony, in place or in addition to the cap and gown. Regalia is also welcome; keep in mind you will be blanketed during the Ceremony.

Registration Deadline: Friday, April 25, 2025, 11:59 p.m. CT

Register Now

Graduating students must register before the deadline to guarantee participation and recognition in the printed program.

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Amanda Cheromiah (Laguna Pueblo), Executive Director, Center for the Futures of Native Peoples at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Amanda Cheromiah posing with thumbs up and wearing white hat

Biography: Dr. Cheromiah is from the Village of Paguate located on the homelands of Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico. Her names are Kah-ow-dthu-ee and Sippun (Inupiaq name meaning "Big Guns") and her clans are shaska sinah hanu (Roadrunner & Turkey People). She is the Granddaughter of six relatives who attended the Carlisle Indian Industrial School: Mary Bailey Seonia (enr. 1885) | Howice Seonia (enr. 1895) | Benjamin Seonia (enr. 1904) | Joseph Ross (enr. 1904) | Charles Brown Analla (enr. 1914) | William Seonia (enr. unknown) | and she honors Lewis Tewanima (enr. 1907). Because of them, she works, lives, heals, feed the spirits, prays and thrives in the heart of the beast -- Carlisle, PA. She believes one of the greatest gifts she has as an educator, mentor, and sister is the ability to build the confidence of People through storytelling, kind words, and digital media. Amanda cares deeply about giving back to her Indigenous Community and transforming spaces through visual narratives and Indigenous-focused scholarship and methodologies. Dr. Cheromiah earned her PHD in higher education from the University of Arizona (Tucson) in 2021. Authenticity is important. Learn more about Dr. Cheromiah at amandacheromiah.com, connect with her on TikTok | Instagram | X | LinkedIn @drcheromiah. Contact via email at cheromia@dickinson.edu.

Congratulatory Ceremony Program

The program involves sharing knowledge, words of encouragement, and traditional forms of honoring as graduates prepare for a new journey ahead. Additionally, the impact of higher education on Native, First Nations, and Indigenous communities is emphasized.

  • Welcome
  • Grand Entry Procession
  • Invocation
  • Flag Song & Veteran Song
  • Recognition of Place
  • University Leadership Welcome
  • Keynote Speaker
  • Presentation of Graduates
  • Honor Song
  • Closing Remarks
  • Round Dance
  • Prayer for Meal
  • Native-themed Buffet Dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I arrive?

The doors to the venue will open at 3:30 p.m. Graduating students, please arrive 30 minutes before the event begins to locate seating for yourself and accompanying guests. Seating for guests is on a first come, first served basis.

Is the event space ADA-compliant?

To request disability-related accommodations for this event, please contact the Director of the Native American House, Charlotte Davidson, at drchar@illinois.edu

Can I take pictures?

Yes. However, in our effort to create a culturally safe space, do not take pictures during prayers or when the Master of Ceremonies has said not to. If you wish to take pictures of dancers in regalia, it is always good to ask first.

Additional questions?

Please email the Native American House at nah@illinois.edu.