The 2021 Native American Program Blanketing Ceremony took place on June 11 to honor graduating seniors, and several members of the Advancing Pathways team participated in this successful celebration. In honor of their dedication and accomplishment, each graduate was presented with a blanket from Eighth Generation. Although family members were not able to attend in person, the Native American Program worked with the Dartmouth Media Production Group (MPG) and Conferences and Events to livestream the event online. Richel Cuyler worked behind the scenes, running the slides for the event and ensuring seamless transitions between in-person and virtual attendees. Taylor Rose Payer played an instrumental role in preparing for the event and took photos that have been shared with graduates and their families.
The event was reflective and emotional as students thanked their friends, families, and other loved ones for supporting their time at Dartmouth. Jami Powell received the Faculty Mentor Award–which is presented by Native Americans at Dartmouth in recognition of her invaluable mentorship and contribution to the educational well-being of students–and had the honor of blanketing students alongside Associate Director of Admissions and Coordinator of Native Outreach, Steven Abbott.
The project team would like to extend a huge congratulations to the Assistant Director of the Native American Program, Shelbi Fitzpatrick, for pulling together such an incredible celebration in honor of Dartmouth’s graduating Indigenous students!
