Yukon College's gymnasium was packed with smiles on Friday afternoon as beaming friends, family, instructors and First Nations leaders came together to recognize this year's First Nations graduates.

More than 90 graduates from 35 First Nations were celebrated in the 36th annual ceremony.

Students came from across the territory for the event, and many donned colourful regalia to showcase and celebrate their culture.

The graduates were drummed in by the Dakhká Khwáan Dancers, who performed several songs to honour the class of 2011.

In addition to highlighting the graduates' scholastic achievements, the afternoon recognized the importance of family, culture and community.

"Behind us, we've got a ton of ancestors who are here, who are celebrating, who are excited,” said Kluane Adamek, the ceremony's emmcee.

Ruth Massie, grand chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations, reminded the crowd that it takes an entire community to raise a child and said that support should be recognized and celebrated.

"We are truly together today for our children tomorrow,” she said, quoting the famous refrain First Nations carried to Ottawa in 1973 to request the beginning of land claim negotiations.

Yukon First Nations are lucky, said Chantai Minet, one of the afternoon's three keynote speakers, explaining that if the grads "conjure up a dream,” their community will offer them as much support as possible so they can achieve it.

Throughout the ceremony, the students were reminded time and again what a huge feat they have accomplished and how proud the people surrounding them are.

"Every single one of you has honoured your ancestors and First Nations,” said Rick Martin, deputy chief of the Ta'an Kwäch'än First Nation, who gave a welcoming address. Martin added that this class has set the bar high for generations to come.

Adamek agreed, saying the class of 2011 has already done great things.

"You're all leaders of today,” she said.

Several speakers addressed the fact that education has historically been a struggle for First Nations communities.

"Many of our people have suffered from the enforced education at residential schools,” said Ed Schultz, another keynote speaker. The former grand chief and city councillor noted how these institutions worked to eradicate traditional languages and cultures.

In recent decades, leaders have worked together to resurrect cultural identity.

"Nothing will stop us,” he said, adding that the graduates represent an opportunity to reconnect with traditional culture.

"The success of these children represent tomorrow's success,” said Schultz.

Valedictorian Sophie Flather recognized that challenges persist for First Nations students and said her fellow graduates have likely faced adversity, such as racism or having to leave their communities to attend school.

"With so many obstacles, I find it remarkable that this class has made it through,” she said.

With high school out of the way, the world is open to us, Flather told her fellow graduates.

"Now we have the freedom to break our own trails,” she said.

There was much advice for the newly-minted graduates in Friday's ceremony.

"Don't stop here,” Kwanlin Dün First Nation councillor Jessie Dawson told the students. Readjust your goals and set them higher, she urged.

"Remember: you're good, but you could be great; you're the best, but you could be better.”

James MacDonald, another keynote speaker, encouraged the students to continue their education at some point in the future.

"With jobs, I think you'll find you're in high demand and that you have a lot to offer,” he told the graduates.

Minet also encouraged the graduates to think about post-secondary education, saying that, while it might be tough at times, it could also be the best experience of their lives.

"Once you discover your destination place, you will be oh-so-very happy with every experience, good and bad,” she said.

Several awards were handed out at the ceremony. Here is the full list of recipients:

Dave Joe Barrister and Solicitor Award: Nellie Njootli.

Leadership Award: Chantal Fulton, Carl Bossenberry.

First Nation Graduation Committee Award: Jocelyn Cletheroe.

Mackay and Partners Award: Niko Helm.

Jim Boss Award: Chase Smith-Tutin.

Sterling Young Insurance Award: Clarence Atkinson.

Annie Ned, Angela Sidney, Kitty Smith and Julie Cruikshank Scholarship in Oral History: Joy Allison.

Skills Canada Award: Byrden Engren-Cook.

Dana Nave Ventures Award: Shelby Jackson, Emily McDougall.

"Tutlama” Award: Andrea Shorty.

Virgina Smarch Health Award: Jamie Davignon.

Skookum Jim Friendship Centre Award: Santana Taylor.

Yukon Judges and Justice of the Peace Award: Asia Bradasch.

First Nations Male and Female Athlete of the Year Award: Avery Enzenauer, Tanner Coyne.

Entrepreneurial Spirit Award: Tyler Wynnyk.

Valedictorian Address: Sophie Flather.