 Simgaget, Sigedamana, Gwydwildsuk. Hi everyone, my name is Melanie Mark. My Nisga name is Laikwiskak and I'm the Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. I'd like to first acknowledge that I'm sending you greetings from the Legislative Assembly on the traditional territories of the Laquangan-speaking peoples of the Songhees in Esquimalt First Nations. I would also like to acknowledge the traditional territories on which your university campus is located. I recognize that COVID-19 has impacted not only your lives but the lives of everyone around you dramatically over the past three months. But this should not take away from the fact that today is about you and your incredible achievement. You are also attending one of the best universities in the world for art and design. Emily Carr University is in my riding, so I'm a little bit biased as the MLA for Vancouver Mount Pleasant. I want to recognize everyone who has helped you cross the finish line. First and foremost, your family and friends for cheering you on over the years. A special thanks to President Jillian Siddal for her tenacity and leadership and a huge thank you to all of the faculty members, staff, board of governors and to the people in your life who lifted you up and made this day possible. I recognize your journey has not been easy but today we celebrate all of your hard work and sacrifice. School wasn't always easy for me but one of the proudest moments of my life was when I crossed the finish line to receive my degree in political science from SFU. I was the first person in my family to ever graduate from post-secondary. That day I was proud to wear my grandmother's regalia. Today I'm wearing her regalia as a symbol of the importance of your convocation. I know that some of you might be the first in your family to graduate but I imagine you won't be the last. On a personal note, I want to leave you with a message of hope. My favorite song is Don't Stop Believing by Journey. I know it's a little old school but it was a theme song at my wedding. I love it because it brings me joy and it reminds me to push through when times are tough and to never give up. Graduates, I want you to go to the distance paying it forward as you take on the next chapter in your life. No one can take this day away from you. Whatever credential you received is yours to own. It's a symbol of your remarkable achievement. Today is a big deal and I'm extremely proud of you. We are going to need you more than ever to build back this beautiful province. Congratulations, class of 2020. Keep shining. Tuxedo.