Sammy Azak has some advice for those who may be on the fence when it comes to earning a university degree.

Go for it.

“For the students who are coming up, don’t listen to what anyone says about the education here or anywhere else,” he said. “Just go for it and do what your heart wants.”

Azak sure is glad he went for it.

On Monday, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in First Nations Studies from the University of Northern British Columbia at the Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisga’a Institute’s graduation celebration in Gitwinksihlkw.

It was a life-changing moment, he said later after crossing the stage receiving his parchment. Azak used to be a seasonal worker with the fishing industry.

Sammy Azak receives his Bachelor of Arts in First Nations Studies from, left to right, Deanna Nyce, President/CEO of Wilp Wilxo'oskwhl Nisga'a Institute, the Honorable James Moore, UNBC Chancellor, and Dr. Daniel Weeks, UNBC President.

“The journey at UNBC has meant a lot to me,” he said. “It has given me the skills to do what I want and not have to struggle any more.”

Now, he yearns for more.

His next goal is to earn his Master’s degree in either education or language. After that, he may just go for his PhD.

Azak was one of four graduates from WWN who earned UNBC degree credentials in Bachelor of Arts in First Nations Studies during the celebration.

Three UNBC certificates were awarded in Nisga’a Studies and six more received certificates in General First Nations Studies.

For Millie Azak, her journey at UNBC and WWN has been a long one but totally worthwhile.

Millie, who works full-time as an executive assistant and co-ordinator at the Nisga’a Valley Health Authority, received her Bachelor of Arts degree in First Nations Studies on Monday.

“UNBC is the future to my education, the House of Learning,” she said. “It’s where I’m able to get the knowledge I need. It’s been a struggle for me. I work full-time. I was going to school full-time and burning the candle at both ends.”

Millie Azak receives her Bachelor of Arts - First Nations Studies from, left to right, Deanna Nyce, President/CEO of Wilp Wilxo'oskwhl Nisga'a Institute, the Honorable James Moore, UNBC Chancellor, and Dr. Daniel Weeks, UNBC President.

Millie admits she earned her degree the hard way. She quit school two months before she graduated from Grade 12.

She returned in 2005, and received her Dogwood (high school) Diploma.

“Everything just went from there,” she said. “I was hungry for school. I’m happy that I did it because I needed to be a role model for my children. It was a lot of hard work. A lot of reading. A lot of writing. And a lot of commitment.”

Prior to completing her degree, she received UNBC Certificates in Nisga’a Studies and General First Nations Studies.

Millie isn’t stopping with her undergraduate degree though. Graduate school is right around the corner.

She’s set her sights set on a Master’s degree that focuses on health and revitalizing the Nisga’a language where she hopes to close the gap communicating with doctors, nurses.

“What I need to do is speak Nisga’a fluently,” she said. “I can understand it. I still need to have the confidence and speak it fluently. I need to communicate with the Elders and younger generation. I’m learning with my children, who’re learning it as well.”

Monday’s celebration marked the 25th anniversary of WWN’s existence.

It was also an opportunity to award an Honorary Nisga’a Studies Certificate to Dr. Joseph Gosnell to commemorate his contribution to Nisga’a post-secondary education.

Gosnell was the chief negotiator that led to the historic Nisga’a land claim Treaty in 1999.

Dr. Joseph Gosnell addresses the audience and Class of 2018 after receiving an Honorary Nisga'a Studies Certificate for his contribution to Nisga'a post-secondary education.

Gosnell was born in the Nass Valley and was a career commercial fisherman. He served as chair of the Nisga’a Tribal Council for 20 years and has received six honorary degrees, including one from UNBC in 2000.

He encouraged the Class of 2018 to continue with their education, list several degrees behind their name and then go and see the world. He encouraged them to gain knowledge and go the extra mile.

“Live your life the way a bear does – be afraid of nothing,” he said. “You need to take the fear out of your heart and throw it away.

“We pass the torch to you, your destiny waits for you . . . you will carry your language and culture into the 21st century.”