MITT student powwow celebrates educational journey

Patrick Jennings has always tinkered with electronics.

“When I was a little kid, I used to take apart stereo systems all the time,” he said. “It’s always been a hobby of mine, but I figured I would turn it into a career.”

When the Winnipegger decided to retrain after working in construction, he chose the electronics technician program at Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology. The 36-year-old said he’s drawn on his Métis heritage for strength since starting the 10-month program last summer.

“It’s played a huge part — just getting me ready spiritually and mentally to do this,” he said.

Jennings was in attendance with his wife and 15-month-old son Thursday afternoon as MITT hosted its third annual powwow to celebrate the achievements of its First Nations, Métis and Inuit students.

More than 200 people attended the event, which was held at the college’s main campus in the West Fort Garry Industrial neighbourhood.

Drumming and dancing took place throughout the afternoon. The event included a market featuring Indigenous vendors and was scheduled to conclude with a feast and Métis fiddle music.

“I think it’s a great way to (promote) reconciliation,” Jennings said. “My partner’s Indigenous, too, so it’s really important for us to have ceremonies like this.”

As with most organizations promoting the trades and technology, MITT has made a concerted effort in recent years to break down the barriers that exclude Indigenous peoples.

Three years ago, the Winnipeg school had 3,700 students, around two per cent of whom were self-declared Indigenous, said president Neil Cooke. Last year, 4,700 students enrolled at MITT, with Indigenous students making up eight per cent of enrolment.

“The Indigenous population has not necessarily seen itself in post-secondary education to the extent it could have,” Cooke said. “We wanted to be able to bridge that and move in that direction.”

MITT is making an effort to support Indigenous students, according to college officials.

Its Indigenous Initiatives department has grown in recent years, faculty continually work to indigenize curriculum, two knowledge keepers are available to meet with staff and students and its Indigenous students circle meets monthly.

The annual powwow is part of those efforts, according to Rhonda Klippenstein, manager of Indigenous initiatives and community development.

“What I love about this event is it’s a great day to celebrate our Indigenous students and we get to celebrate them in a traditional way,” Klippenstein said. “We’re honouring their journey here and their time with us.”

The powwow is also important because Indigenous students, faculty and staff get to share their culture with people who may not be familiar with it, she added. Plus, it allows the college to invite the wider community to participate.

“We can’t have a powwow without the community coming in,” Klippenstein said.

The event was meaningful for Kianne Harper, a student in the college’s medical office assistant program.

The 25-year-old, who is originally from Koocheching First Nation in northwestern Ontario, enrolled at MITT after spending a few years working with youth.

“Having the powwow today is pretty incredible,” she said. “I never really was honoured when I was growing up, so it made me feel special.”

As she prepares to re-enter the workforce in a few months, Harper hopes to inspire others.

“Rez kids can do anything,” she said. “I was once a rez kid and now I’m an adult, and, hopefully, I can be a role model to young Indigenous students.”

Post-secondary institutions Red River College Polytechnic, University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg will each host their respective student powwows during the first weekend in May.

aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca