Indigenous grads celebrate at U of W powwow

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This article was published 05/04/2023 (890 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The University of Winnipeg held its 18th graduation powwow at the Duckworth Centre on Saturday, March 18 — the first time it had been held since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The annual event celebrates the academic achievements of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students who will graduate during the university’s spring convocation on June 19 and 20. Tanis McLeod Kolisnyk, Aboriginal Student Services co-ordinator, said the community was excited to celebrate.

“The thing about the graduation powwow is that the community is coming alongside our students, and to me that’s such an important part of being in relationship with each other,” she said.

Over 50 Indigenous students were honoured during the celebration, which drew a crowd estimated at 3,000 people. The day began with a pipe ceremony led by Elder Dan Thomas, followed by the grand entry at 12:30 p.m. led by Ray (Coco) Stevenson. Graduates were then honoured, followed by powwow dancing that included women’s jingle, men’s traditional and grass dancers, fancy dancers, hoop dancers and 15 drum groups also participated. The day concluded with a community feast.