Golden, BC – On Wednesday, June 7, 2025, Golden Secondary School (GSS) hosted its annual transition ceremony, warmly welcoming Grade 7 students from Lady Grey Elementary and Nicholson Elementary. This significant event marked the students' passage from childhood to young adulthood and their official start to their high school journey.

The ceremony began with a symbolic walk down the river, representing the students' progression into the next phase of their education. Upon their arrival at the high school, Métis Elder, Betty Hoogendorn, and Indigenous Education Support Worker, Dana Setter, led a smudge to welcome the students. This important cultural practice served to cleanse and prepare them for their new beginning at GSS.

The occasion was witnessed and supported by a strong community presence, including Elders Davene Dunn, Catherine Pearren, and Almeda Tresierra, and Indigenous Community Member and Alexander Park Elementary School teacher Caren Nagao. Families, friends, and Indigenous Education Support Workers also gathered to celebrate this important milestone alongside their children.

As a lasting symbol of their path forward, the Grade 7 students created beautiful, personalized walking sticks. These sticks are intended to be a guide throughout their time in high school, with the expectation that students will add to them as they continue along their educational journey, marking their growth and experiences.

A warm welcome was extended by current GSS students Hunter, Kael, Jacob Tetrault, Wyatt Schiesser, Leo Otcenask, and Sisely. They greeted the Grade 7s in the Kikino Room and encouraged them to connect with the school community and access the various supports available to them. Their new Principal, Mike Archibald, and Vice Principal, Rebecca Ridell-McKay, were also on hand to witness the ceremony and welcome their new students. The event successfully highlighted the strong, supportive, and culturally rich community that awaits the Grade 7s at Golden Secondary School.

Special thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Indigenous Education Workers, Scout Wiebe (GSS) Dana Setter (GSS), Margot McMullan (LGES) and Juniper Kelly (NES) for organizing such a beautiful ceremony.