The Native American House Congratulatory Ceremony is a community-focused event celebrating the graduation of Native and Indigenous students. Graduates and their families are invited to participate in a meaningful, unique program featuring traditional songs, dances, and other cultural acknowledgments to honor degree completion. Throughout the Ceremony, participants will hear messages from Elders, university leadership, and other special guests. A buffet-style dinner concludes this event.
Beyond celebration, this Ceremony aspires to instill in graduates a commitment to carry good hearts and minds as they transition into the global community.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, May 15, 2027
- Time: 4:00 to 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Illini Union, Illini 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.
Register for the 2027 Native American House Congratulatory Ceremony
Keynote Speaker
To be announced.
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
- Celebratory Dinner
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I arrive?
The doors to the venue will open at 3:00 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.
For graduating students:
Please arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the Ceremony. Upon arrival, check in at the registration table located in the lobby outside Illini Rooms A, B, and C. A volunteer will then escort you to a designated waiting area for photos and the powwow-style processional line-up.
For families and guests:
Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage families and guests to arrive early to ensure adequate seating.
Where do I park?
There are multiple graduation ceremonies and related activities at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and so parking will be limited. Guests should be prepared to walk, as parking may not be available in close proximity to the Illini Union.
Please visit the Campus Parking webpage for the most up-to-date parking information: https://parking.illinois.edu/
Kindly note that parking in spaces designated as “Reserved” or at bagged meters is prohibited and may result in your vehicle being towed.
Is the event space ADA-compliant?
While multiple ADA-accessible entrances are available on all sides of the Illini Union, we encourage guests with mobility concerns to be dropped off at the north-facing entrance.
ADA-accesible restrooms are available on th first floor. There is also a limited number of accessible parking spots near the venue. View the accessibility map for more information.
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.
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