[left to right] Taylor Zannet, Vanessa Young, Victoria Williams, Issiah Dennis (Photo by Heather Alexander)
It was a day of celebration for the family and friends of four young adults graduating from grade 12 from the Bamfield Community School. Congratulations to the three Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN) citizens huč̓is Venessa Young, ʔutstuʔaks Victoria Williams, tamuuk Issiah Dennis, and one Bamfield resident, Taylor Zannet, who successfully completed their requirements for high school graduation at the Bamfield Community School.
The celebration began with congratulations from vice-principal Robin Schmitt, followed by words of encouragement and wisdom from HFN Executive Councillor, ƛicitatḥ Edward R. Johnson, School District #70 Trustee, Janis Joseph, Bamfield Community School Coordinator, Jaslyn Haberl, and teacher, Dinnée Nickel. All speakers encouraged the graduates to pursue future goals and continued educational growth and spoke of the circle of education in life.
Qiic qiica led the Aucapulo song and in his video recording, explained that it is a unity song, community song, and paddling song that belongs to Huu-ay-aht and residents in the Huu-ay-aht community. Guests in the audience sang along.
In addition to HFN relatives, citizens, and friends of the graduates, representatives from School District #70 Pacific Rim, the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD), and the teachers and principals from the Bamfield Community School were also in attendance.
The celebration took place on June 26, 2025, at the Rix Centre for Ocean Discoveries at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.