Last month, five Alaska WWAMI graduates were recognized during the University of Washington School of Medicine’s (UWSOM’s) 32nd annual Traditional Blanket Ceremony. The annual celebration honors Indigenous graduating medical students and those who completed the Indian Health Pathway.
Held in Seattle, the ceremony celebrated graduates’ achievements and their commitment to serving Indigenous communities.
Among the Alaska WWAMI graduates recognized were Jocelyn Waggoner, Haida; Madilyn Short, Inupiaq and Yupik; Hannah Lukes, Grace Denney and Anna Warnock. All five completed the Indian Health Pathway, a longitudinal program that prepares medical students to partner with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities through culturally grounded education, mentorship and clinical experiences.
This year’s ceremony was especially meaningful, with 10 Indigenous students participating as the largest group of Indigenous graduates in UWSOM history, according to the Center for Indigenous Health. During the ceremony, each graduate was presented with a blanket, symbolizing respect, protection, achievement and the support of community as they begin their careers as physicians.
Held the same day as the Physician’s Oath and Hooding Ceremony, the Blanket Ceremony is one of UWSOM’s most meaningful commencement traditions. Family members, mentors and community leaders gathered to honor graduates with songs and blessings that recognize both their accomplishments and the responsibility they carry as future physicians.
The ceremony was presented by the UWSOM’s Indian Health Pathway and Center for Indigenous Health, with support from Indigenous community partners, faculty and students across the WWAMI region.
