Several hundred people from across the Yukon celebrated the native graduation class of 2013 on Friday afternoon.

Graduates, family and friends were entertained by dancers.

The achievements of the 104 grads were recognized and applauded by dignitaries. They included National Chief Shawn Atleo of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and Grand Chief Ruth Massie of the Council of Yukon First Nations.

Atleo and the Dakkha Khwaan Dancers led the graduates into the outdoor tent pitched next to the Yukon River at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre.

Chiefs or their representatives from all 14 Yukon First Nations were there, as was deputy premier Elaine Taylor.

"You are just starting your journey, and we want to hold you up high, and honour you, and support you,” Natalie Bennett, principal of Elijah Smith Elementary School, told the graduates.

Bennett, a member of the Tr'ondek Hwechin, and master of ceremonies for the afternoon, said as an educator, it was fitting to be working at Elijah Smith, since the school was named after a late founding member of the aboriginal land claim movement in the Yukon.

Smith was among those who delivered Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow to then-prime minister Pierre Trudeau in 1973, Bennett noted.

The opening prayer was delivered in both Southern Tutchone and English by Grade 7 student Gracie Osborne of Elijah Smith.

O Canada was sung in Southern Tutchone by Nicole Smith of the Ta'an Kwach'an Council, with RCMP officers in red serge standing by her side.

It was a ceremony steeped in First Nation culture, with graduates dressed in traditional regalia: beaded vests and dresses.

After each member of the Class of 2013 was presented with his or her diploma, they were congratulated by Atleo, Massie and a line of chiefs or representatives from the Yukon's First Nations.

The grads were introduced First Nation by First Nation, including the Metis Nation and the Inuvialuit Nation of the Western Arctic.

The Dakkha Khwaan Dancers opened the event with a repertoire or rousing dances, and the Selkirk Spirit Dancers – a troupe of pre-schoolers to elders – ended the ceremonies with a number of equally rousing performances which included the traditional grouse dance.

"When I think back on the history in the Yukon and how far we have come in the last 40 years, I smile because I am proud of the achievements of our First Nations People,” Ta'an Chief Kristina Kane said in her opening remarks.

"We have a lot to be proud of. Every year, the number of First Nations graduates increases. In 1983, there were 37 grads, 1993 – 43 grads, 2003 – 69 First Nation grads and this year we have 104 grads! ... I think that deserves a round of applause.

"I am here today to acknowledge the success, perseverance and commitment of the graduates and their parents, families, and friends who have stood by and encourageeach step forward that has brought these graduates to this point in their life.”

Kane told the graduates they have probably heard it before, but she said it again.

"Knowledge is power.”

Knowledge, she said, provides the graduates with the ability to make informed choices, it provides the means for a better quality of life not just for the graduates, but for their families in the future.

"Knowledge is power, and through educating yourself, you have empowered yourself,” said the Ta'an Kwach'an chief.

Chief Massie said she was proud to be there to recognize not just the success of the graduates, but also parents, family and educators who provided support and guidance through their years of learning, and for the years ahead.

"Today is truly a proud day for Yukon First Nation people,” said Massie. "We truly are Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow.”

The national chief congratulated the graduates for the courage they showed in continuing forward even through the days when doing so seemed impossible.

And he asked the grads who, like him, had to take two cracks at Algebra 10.

Atleo said there is an old saying among his people: "This too will pass.”

The days will pass when the mountain seems too high and too difficult to climb, he told the grads.

"Just like the river beside us is never the same. Moment to moment, it will change,” he said. "And so did the days you overcame challenges on your way to graduation.”

To open his address, Atleo spoke in his native language, then translated it.

"I said, ‘what's up grads of 2013,'” he belted out.

The national chief, who was also named chancellor of the University of Vancouver Island University in 2008, said education is of paramount importance.

The AFN was founded on the commitment to gain Indian control of Indian education, he said.

Atleo told the graduates he had just had lunch with Northern Tutchone elder Alex Van Bibber.

"Are you kidding me, 96 years old,” he said, to a round of loud applause, as Van Bibber stood briefly to be acknowledged.

He said Van Bibber used to travel four days on a raft down the Yukon River from Pelly Cross to go to school in Dawson City for the year.

"Alex's dad was once asked why he just didn't put him on the river boat and spend the money,” Atleo said. "His dad said, ‘Why would I do that? The river is flowing that way anyway.”

The grads of 2013, he said, come from great heritage.

"As Assembly of First Nations national chief, on behalf of over 600 First Nations and 50 languages, I wholeheartedly congratulate each and every one of the graduates of 2013.”

Valedictorians Lynsey Keaton of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and Cody Park of B.C.'s Shuswap Nation took turns thanking those who helped them through their years. They

offered encouragement to continue on with their goals – undeterred.

"We have to thank our parents, our grandparents, our teachers and others because they have given us the support to make us feel comfortable putting ourselves out there,” said

Park.

High school, said Keaton, was not a just a house of learning, but a place where lifelong bonds have been formed.

Keaton encouraged her fellow grads to continue forward, despite what hardships they may encounter, citing a quote from Frank A. Clark, a famous newspaper cartoonist and the modern day philosopher of sorts.

"If you find you are on a path where there are no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.”

Several graduates received awards in recognition of outstanding achievement in everything from academics, to sports and community involvement.