Celebrating Indigenous Business Achievement

This year’s banquet brought together a record 305 innovators, elders, students, and business leaders, as well as a record number of corporate sponsors, to recognize the two award recipients who embody resilience, creativity, and cultural pride in their enterprise. 100% of the proceeds from the VIBE Awards banquet directly benefit IBEP students through scholarships, bursaries, academic support, and educational opportunities.

“The VIBE Awards are about celebrating inspiring community leaders, and I think that is what resonates with people and why our fundraiser continually breaks revenue and attendance records each year,” said Riley Proulx [BComm(Hon)/19], Director of IBEP.

Award Recipients

Oliver Owen grew up in Pauingassi, experiencing the transportation obstacles that remote northern communities face first-hand. His vision led to the creation of Amik Aviation in 2008, an Aboriginal-owned and operated airline that now provides essential passenger and cargo services to First Nations across Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.

Cody Gonsalves started Purposeful Movements Ltd. based on the idea that movement is medicine. Through personalized coaching, fitness programs, and community workshops, Gonsalves helps individuals transform their lifestyles by building sustainable habits and fostering resilience. Of Cree Ancestry from Red Pheasant First Nation, Gonsalves utilized IBEP supports when he was an Asper student.

Advancing Indigenous Entrepreneurship

Dedicated and  committed to Reconciliation, the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic continues to foster collaborative relationships and provides supports to start-ups and entrepreneurs, including Indigenous entrepreneurs. Since Fall 2023, the Clinic has provided over 10,000 pro bono hours of legal assistance; 50% of its client-base are women entrepreneurs, 37% percent of its client-base are from rural and Northern Manitoba communities, and 18% of the Clinic’s client-base self-identify as Indigenous.

Jessie Canard (3L), a proud Anishinaabe third-year law student at the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic had the honour to take part in the Grand Entry at the VIBE Awards, and reflected on the event, saying, “I had the honour of talking with Elder Norman Meade at the VIBE Awards 2025. He shared with me how the event made his heart feel full because when he was younger, he couldn’t imagine events celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurship and business taking place.  His sharing what he’s noticed over time made my heart feel full because I care about the relationship between Canadian and Indigenous peoples. I think celebrating each other can be very healing.”

“The VIBE Awards was an incredible evening of learning with inspiring speakers and great conversation with community leaders,” said Cole Hutchison [BComm(Hon)/23],  a second-year law student. 

Law students also had the opportunity to meet and speak to with Diane Roussin [BSW/96], Vice Chair of the University of Manitoba Board of Governors, an Anishinaabe community leader, current Project Director of The Winnipeg Boldness Project, and incoming Chair of The Winnipeg Foundation.

Pathway to Reconciliation is a journey that we must all walk together

As the 19th Annual VIBE Awards came to a close, it was clear that the legacy of IBEP and the achievements of Indigenous entrepreneurs like E. Oliver Owen and Cody Gonsalves continue to inspire.

“When we look at who Cody and Oliver are and what they’ve accomplished, it is clear that they care deeply about their communities – something they have in common with all prior recipients. We are very excited to formally announce our revised award categories and call for nominations for the 20^th VIBE Awards this coming Winter season,” said Riley Proulx.

By attending the VIBE Awards, law students with the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic left better informed, more aware, and inspired to support and assist Indigenous entrepreneurs in their mutual journeys towards success. Clinic students look forward to attending the VIBE Awards again next year to celebrate and continue to learn even more stories of Indigenous business excellence.

Miigwech!

The fourth annual Spirit of the Bison event brought sport and Indigenous culture together in a celebration across three Bisons regular-season games (women’s hockey and men’s and women’s basketball). The national anthem was sung in Indigenous languages, and there were halftime performances from Indigenous dancers and drummers.

“Being here at the University of Manitoba, where we wear the bison, we really wanted to bring those Indigenous teachings and culture to our community,” says Bree Cruise, the Lead for Indigenous Achievement and Outreach for the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management. “We really want Indigenous youth to see this as a place they can belong, a place they can go to school and a place they can continue their sports journey.”

Graham Hutchison-Campbell during a long jump competition

Graham Hutchison-Campbell, a captain on the men’s track and field team, was one of several athletes at the meet-and-greet station. He says being a part of the weekend was a great opportunity to speak to the community and encourage them to continue in sport.

“Sports teach so many fundamental values and morals to young kids which they can take with them into their professional careers,” says Hutchison-Campbell. “I think it’s especially important for the Indigenous community because they can meet people who are varsity athletes and help them find something to strive towards.”

Emily Mandamin, a forward for the women’s basketball team, says it’s important for Indigenous youth to “see someone who looks like them chasing their dream. If they see it they’ll know they can do it too.”

Emily Mandamin during the women’s basketball Spirit of the Bison game

Mandamin says it was exciting to see people embrace Indigenous heritage and events like Spirit of the Bison help continue the conversations of Truth and Reconciliation.

“Sport is medicine, and by connecting culture and sport, it can truly be a beacon of hope for Indigenous communities,” says Mandamin. “By having Spirit of the Bison night, it allows us to celebrate our experiences and respect the different journeys we’ve all had.”

Cruise says while Spirit of the Bison is a great opportunity to put Indigenous culture and student-athletes in the spotlight, it’s also important for the non-Indigenous members of the community to see the accomplishments of the artisans, singers, dancers and student-athletes at the university.

This is the fourth season the Bisons have hosted Spirit of the Bison.

Continuing its tradition, 100% of the evening’s proceeds will directly support IBEP students—future Indigenous business leaders—through scholarships, bursaries, academic assistance, and educational opportunities.

Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic students with Riley Proulx (Director of IBEP) at the 2024 VIBE Awards from far left: Connor Giesbrecht (3L) [BA/2022], Jordan Wagner (3L) [BComm(Hons)/2022], Riley Proulx [BComm(Hons)/2019], Ravi Balchan (3L) [BComm (Hon)/2021], Jeremy Tran (3L) [BSc/2022], Mathew O’Connor (3L)[BA(Hons)/2018], and Emily Palmer (3L) [BA)/2019] (Moira Kennedy (3L) [BA/2021] not pictured).

Award Recipients

The event honoured renowned creatives Emilie McKinney, founder of Anishinaabe Bimishimo, and Shaun Vincent, founder of Vincent Design Inc., for their entrepreneurial excellence and contributions to Indigenous business. To celebrate their achievements, each recipient was awarded a beautiful, customized sculpture that symbolizes their unique entrepreneurial impact.

2024 VIBE Award Recipients, left to right: Emilie McKinney, and Shaun Vincent.

At just 16 years old, Emilie McKinney of Swan Lake First Nation, founded Anishinaabe Bimishimo Corporation, specializing in producing traditional jingle cones. Over time, she expanded her business internationally and broadened her offerings to include clothing and sparkle ribbons, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to preserving Indigenous traditions while fostering economic independence. During her remarks, Emilie expressed deep gratitude for her family and community, who supported her vision and emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for future generations.

Shaun Vincent, founder of Vincent Design Inc., an artist, graphic designer and entrepreneur who grew up in the Métis community of St. Laurent, began his journey in 2007 after earning an Advanced Diploma from Red River College Polytechnic. Shaun identified a need for representational design and created a branding and marketing firm focused on advancing Indigenous communities, organizations, and businesses through thoughtful storytelling rooted in tradition. Today, Vincent Design Inc. is a team of 19 renowned for its work, including the creation of the Survivors’ Flag, introduced during the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in 2021. Shaun’s Two-Eyed Seeing approach—bridging Indigenous understanding with Western design practices—defines his work and continues to inspire others. Additionally, Vincent Design awards up to two scholarships each semester to Indigenous Youth pursuing college or university studies in graphic design and related programs in Canada.

Celebrating 30 Years of Asper’s Indigenous Business Education Partners Program

The evening was also an opportunity to celebrate IBEP’s 30th anniversary. A commemorative video shared during the event featured testimonials from alums and students who spoke about the profound impact IBEP has had on their lives. Many shared personal stories of overcoming barriers, finding belonging, and gaining the confidence to succeed.

Image from commemorative video.

Ashley Richard [BComm(Hons)/2017], an IBEP alum and 2017 graduate of the BComm (Hons) program and current Director of Indigenous Entrepreneurship at United College – University of Waterloo, reflected on her experience, explaining that IBEP profoundly changed her life. She shared how the program provided her with a sense of belonging and the tools to give back to others. She emphasized the value of the scholarships, mentorship, and opportunities IBEP offers, describing them as invaluable.

Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic and Fostering Indigenous Entrepreneurship

The L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic marked a milestone of its own, celebrating 10 years of supporting entrepreneurs. In just a decade, the Clinic has provided over 10,000 pro bono hours of legal support, with a 37% BIPOC client base. Notably, the most recent monthly demographic data showed that nearly 25% of the Clinic’s client base for that month self-identified as Indigenous.

The Clinic’s work, combined with its students’ active engagement, highlights its ongoing mission to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and contribute to reconciliation through respect, recognition, and ongoing collaborations.

This commitment was exemplified at this year’s VIBE Awards, where third-year law students Emily Palmer (3L) [BA/2019] and Ravi Balchan (3L) [BComm (Hon)/2021] were chosen to represent the clinic in the Grand Entry, led by Elder Carl Stone [BA]. Emily, who has attended the VIBE Awards for three consecutive years while attending UM Law, reflected on the event’s unique impact: “It’s inspiring to see a room filled with a diverse network of supporters, funders, students, entrepreneurs, and businesses all promoting the Indigenous business community in Manitoba. Every year, I’m reminded of the power of connection and the results that come from uplifting commerce communities in our province.“

For Ravi, the experience was equally powerful: “Taking part in the Grand Entry, I could feel the optimism, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit in the room. Hearing stories of Indigenous business excellence made me incredibly proud and inspired by my community.“

A Legacy of Support and Connection

The event concluded with a prayer from Elder Norman Meade, who emphasized the importance of community. His words resonated with the evening’s theme of collective action and support.

As the 18th Annual VIBE Awards came to a close, it was clear that the legacy of IBEP and the achievements of Indigenous entrepreneurs like Emilie McKinney and Shaun Vincent continue to inspire.

The L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic strives to carry forward this inspiration by supporting and assisting Indigenous entrepreneurs in their journey. Clinic students look forward to attending the VIBE Awards gala again next year to celebrate even more stories of Indigenous business excellence; and thank the Desautels Centre for Private Enterprise and Law for supporting the law students’ attendance this year during Entrepreneurship and Innovative Thinking Month at the University of Manitoba.

Marsii! Hiy Hiy! Miigwetch!

Pahan PteSanWin is hopeful that her research on rematriation and reparations will be a step toward institutional and structural change so that the harms Indigenous people have faced, and continue to face on a daily basis, can stop.

Pahan [BSW/97, MSW-IK/23] is one of three UM PhD students selected as a 2024 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship recipient.

Vanier Scholars are Canada’s top graduate students, chosen for their academic excellence, research potential and leadership. Students are nominated by their university, evaluated by multi-disciplinary peer-review committees and selected by a board composed of world-renowned Canadian and international experts.  

At the core of Pahan’s research topic, Beyond Repatriation of Indigenous Ancestral Remains and Cultural Heritage: Rematriation and Reparations in the Canadian Context, is the importance of envisioning what a future can look like past colonial violence.

Pahan says it is not enough for colonial institutions holding Indigenous ancestral remains and culture heritage just to repatriate them to descendant communities. Rematriation asks for more, to return, restore and repair within a woman-centered focus.  

“Rematriation is a concept that academics are just starting to explore and what I want to do is elevate that understanding,” says Pahan. “I don’t think Reconciliation can happen when all you’ve done is the bare minimum. Through my research, I hope to make recommendations of realistic and fair actions/reparations that colonial institutions can take to create an environment where Reconciliation can occur.”

While she initially had a different research project in mind for her PhD, Pahan’s work as co-chair for the Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation Ceremony at UM led her down a different path.

“I realized I have to focus on this because it’s very important and has the most potential to make change for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. Whatever time that I have to make a mark in this world, I want to devote it to that,” says Pahan.

Each Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship recipient will receive $150,000 over three years toward their research. For Pahan, a Red River Métis citizen and first-generation university student, this opportunity is beyond what she ever imagined was possible.

“Every Indigenous person who makes it to the front step of a post-secondary institution has overcome so many barriers that it’s already a success to just put your foot on that front step,” says Pahan. “To be able to do a PhD with a Vanier Scholarship – it feels like a miracle. When I got the news, I cried for two days, I was just so happy.”

Pahan believes that being chosen as a Vanier Scholar is not just an opportunity for her, but a benefit for her community. She credits support from her ancestors, academic mentors at UM, her family and her community that recommended her for the award.

Bukich coached the 14U basketball team at the North American Indigenous Games. The event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Bukich converted their training to a virtual format.

For him, it was less about keeping a team together and more about helping the players maintain balance during a tumultuous time.

“Indigenous communities often lack access to programming coaches, mentors, gym space and equipment,” says Bukich. “The pandemic magnified that disparity, so I wanted to still stay connected with them during that time.”

Bryden Bukich

Bukich says he took in the ideas of the medicine wheel, seeing the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual elements needed. He says experiences like the games are crucial for exposing kids to a much wider world of opportunities.

“Some of these kids may have never left Manitoba, and seeing how excited they were was amazing,” says Bukich. “It was great to have a small role in helping them meet new people in new places and make lasting friendships.”

Bukich wants to bring the same community-driven approach to medicine and healthcare. He says there is often distrust in Indigenous communities around healthcare, and it’s important for doctors to be “culturally competent and bring a multifaceted approach” to healthcare.

“I hope to maybe one day be able to engage in those things and learn from more mentors along the way,” says Bukich.

Bukich says Dr. Brian Rice is one of those mentors. Dr. Rice helped Bukich connect with his identity as a member of the Red River Métis, showing him where his ancestors came from and areas in the province with a special connection to his history.

“I wouldn’t be I wouldn’t be there today without them and their support of my ideas and letting me get involved in their research and projects,” says Bukich. “They also let me have a voice for things that I think could be improved in our curriculum.”

Today, Bukich is part of the 2022 McCall MacBain Scholar cohort, scholarships that bring together exceptional students who strive to engage in positive change by taking on meaningful leadership roles.

Bukich hopes, with support and guidance, he can impact communities both at the micro-individual level in practice and at the macro level in policy influence.

On June 20, ten student, staff and faculty honourees were recognized for their exceptional contributions at the 2024 Honouring our Indigenous Campus Community recognition ceremony.

Formerly the Indigenous Awards of Excellence, this event strives to reflect the diverse gifts of the Indigenous community at UM. This is the eighth year of recognizing honourees in a blanketing ceremony.

Meet the 2024 Honouring our Indigenous Campus Community recipients: 

Student Honourees  
Brad Albert, Faculty of Science
Elora Cromarty, Faculty of Arts
Monica Cyr, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Charlene Hallett, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Lauren Hallett, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Kiana Tait, Max Rady College of Medicine

Staff Honourees 
Elder Charlotte Nolin, Ongomiizwin Institute of Health & Healing
Marla Robson, College of Nursing

Faculty Honouree
Dr. Lisa Monkman

Legacy Honouree
Ken Paupanekis

New this year, the Legacy category honours former, or in the case of this year, outgoing, self-declared Indigenous UM faculty or staff who have made a positive impact on the campus community.

Vice-President (Indigenous) Angie Bruce welcomed honourees, friends, family members and colleagues with opening remarks and shared these words: “We cannot impact change on our own. Doing this work – creating space for Indigenous people, uplifting Indigenous voices; and integrating Indigenous ways of knowing and being into the fabric of the University of Manitoba – requires a community. And today, we honour that community. We hold events like this to recognize the staff, students and faculty that are leading the conversations, advocating for policy and structural change and inspiring others to continue this important work.”

The 10 honourees were presented with Star Blankets, by Kookum Leslie Spillett and Isca Spillett. Being wrapped in a Star Blanket is an honouring experience and a showing of gratitude from the community. 

Congratulations and miigwech to the 2024 honourees!

Bree Cruise hopes that during Indigenous History Month, people will want to learn. She says June is only one of twelve months in which she believes learning about Indigenous history and culture should happen.

“Learning can happen all times of the year, any time of the day,” says Cruise. “We need to continue this learning every month of every year.”

Bree Cruise is the lead for Indigenous achievement and outreach in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management.

Cruise, the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management’s lead for Indigenous achievement and outreach, says Indigenous History Month links to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Actions, including Call to Action 87, which states, “We call upon all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, sports halls of fame, and other relevant organizations, to provide public education that tells the national story of Aboriginal athletes in history” (p.10).

“We want to talk about everything that is our history and everything that we are as Indigenous people,” says Cruise. “We have a strong history as leaders, advocates, and trailblazers.”

While Cruise says the month is a necessary time to reflect on the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, it’s also an opportunity to look toward the future.

Cruise has been around the faculty since 2012, having completed her Bachelor of Recreation Management and Development in 2017 before returning to UM to complete her Master’s in 2020. She says seeing the faculty and broader UM community strive for more Indigenous engagement has been amazing.

“We’re pushing this conversation further and further every day,” says Cruise. “Every day, we work for Indigenous engagement and cultural integration in our faculty.”

Cruise praises the faculty’s changes in curriculum, program reviews and open conversations, which reflect the drive for more Indigenous engagement. She also noted the impact Angie Bruce, Vice-President (Indigenous), and her office have on the greater UM community with initiatives like the Indigenous Senior Leadership Report.

“We are learning so much from our Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, and leaders here on campus and they’re guiding us in this journey,” says Cruise.

However, Cruise says it’s important to find ways to advance engagement without solely putting it on the shoulders of our Indigenous community. She says meaningful change will only come through the collective efforts of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples.

“We need to continue this important work,” says Cruise. “But reconciliation isn’t an endpoint. It’s a process and a journey. We will be on this road together forever, so how do we continue to walk forward together?”

However, at the moment, Cruise is happy to celebrate Indigenous History Month among the faculty and across campus. She has organized events for the faculty to participate in, such as Indigenous games, a  Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum tour, and a screening of the film Precious Leader Woman about snowboarder and Olympian Spencer O’Brien’s journey to find her identity.

In the future, Cruise is looking forward to releasing the faculty’s reconciliation action plan with a clear framework to operationalize it so it can be a sustainable priority for the faculty. Her goal is that these priorities are embedded into all the faculty’s positions and in everything they do.

Mamie Kroeker-Tom, the Indigenous student representative for the Physical Education Recreational Kinesiology Student Council (PERKS), says the month is a great opportunity to learn and reflect on Indigenous history.

“It’s really important to have this time to celebrate,” says Kroeker-Tom. “In so many other aspects of life, we can be overlooked and not recognized.”

Kroeker-Tom says if she weren’t about to graduate, she’d keep being part of the council as long as possible. She says having the opportunity to “build more relationships with peers and faculty members” and “contribute to the betterment of the community” was very special.

Mamie-Kroeker-Tom // Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

Having competed in rhythmic gymnastics for most of her life, Kroeker-Tom hopes to use her bachelor of kinesiology degree to make a difference in the rhythmic gymnastics community in Canada by bringing more attention to the sport.

“I am very excited about what’s next, but it’s sad to be done with everything and moving on from my time at UM,” she says. “I didn’t think I would feel this way. But now that it’s come, I’m feeling slightly sad.”

While Kroeker-Tom prepares to cross the stage at convocation, Cassidy Copple, a bachelor of kinesiology student about to begin her fourth year, prepares to take over her role as Indigenous student representative.
“It’s important to have someone willing to engage with everyone and let them know about the opportunities out there,” says Copple.

Her biggest goal for the upcoming year? Connection.

Cassidy Copple

“I want to improve the involvement of students and highlight more of like the indigenous events,” she says. “I want to share opportunities, whether new or reoccurring and help students get to know what’s going on in our faculty.

Copple says there were many opportunities and supports she wasn’t aware of when she started in the faculty and hopes to make things more open for students.

Copple says “the best way to improve everything is to share knowledge.”

Echoing Kroeker-Tom, Copple says June is a chance for the community to learn more about the rich history of Indigenous People.

“I find it important to share stories because our history has so often been swept under the rug,” she says. “Sharing knowledge and getting people informed can have a major impact.”

Copple hopes people will use the month to recognize Indigenous peoples’ role in Canadian culture and give themselves time to learn more.

For new students, Copple says she hopes they get involved, reach out to each other and/seek guidance or help when they need it.

She hopes everyone has a chance to “share their knowledge, ask questions, and get involved.”

The votes have been counted and UM alumni have selected Reanna Merasty [BEnvD/19, MArch/21] as their next alumni representative for the UM Board of Governors. 

“I have always seen myself having a greater role at the university,” explains Merasty. “When it was suggested to me by a friend and fellow UM grad to run on a platform of Indigenous representation, I knew I had to accept.”

More than 2400 votes were cast online, and Merasty was chosen from the list of four candidates. Having graduated in the last five years, she brings both a strong Indigenous perspective and a younger generational point of view to the Board.

“Ekosi (thank you) for your support,” says Merasty. “I hope that I can represent the UM Alumni community to the best of my abilities. I hope to bring an Indigenous perspective and continue advocating for Indigenous inclusion and representation. I also hope to bring a young person’s perspective.”

Merasty is a proud Nihithaw artist, writer, and advocate from Barren Lands First Nation and an Architectural Intern with Number TEN Architectural Group. Merasty received a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from UM and she has dedicated her career to amplifying Indigenous voices in architecture.

“The UM was where I gained my confidence in speaking up and using my voice,” recalls Merasty. “It was where I found comfort in the Indigenous student community and made Migizii Agamik my home. It was where I co-founded the Indigenous Design and Planning Student Association, co-edited a book, and organized many initiatives in the Faculty of Architecture. This advocacy has continued in my professional career and in national organizations. The UM was also where I developed a passion for education, curriculum, and developing a welcoming space for young people.”

As a professional, Merasty is on the project team for Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn, a transformation of the historic Hudson’s Bay building in downtown Winnipeg for Southern Chiefs’ Organization, and other Indigenous community-centered projects. 

She is the Chair of the Welcoming Winnipeg Committee with the City of Winnipeg, guiding the process of renaming place names and creating historical markers to reflect Indigenous histories, a sessional Instructor in the UM’s Department of Architecture, and the Manitoba Regional Director on the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada Board of Directors.  

Merasty will serve as the Board of Governors alumni representative for a three-year term beginning June 1, 2024.

“I love seeing how excited the families are,” says Carla Loewen, chair of the event’s planning committee and director of the Indigenous Student Centre. “It’s rewarding to see the students complete their degrees after all their hard work and accomplishments. We always look forward to bringing the community together to recognize them in this way.”

Celebrate the next generation of Indigenous leaders on May 4

One of the largest indoor pow wows in the province, the 35^th Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow at UM will take place on Saturday, May 4 at the Investors Group Athletic Centre.

All Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) graduates are invited to participate. UM students, staff, faculty, upcoming graduates, alumni and community members are invited to attend and show their support for this year’s Indigenous graduating class. The event is free for all to attend.

New this year is a rebrand of the stoles gifted to graduates, which will be unveiled at the event. “We’re launching a design that honours the original design elements, with a new flair,” says Loewen. Red River Métis singer/songwriter and UM alum Brandi Vezina has also been confirmed as part of the entertainment.

Get involved by volunteering at pow wow

Each year, volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and successful event. All UM students, staff and community are invited to volunteer at the graduation pow wow. Visit the UM website to register.

A weekend of pow wow celebrations

For the first time, three post-secondary institutions in Manitoba have coordinated efforts to host their graduation pow wows on the same weekend. RRC Polytech hosts its 24^th Annual Pow Wow on Friday, May 3 and the University of Winnipeg hosts its 19^th Annual Graduation Pow Wow on Sunday, May 5.

“It’s a big pow wow weekend. We expect to see an increase in participants and visitors as a result,” says Loewen. “Three graduation pow wows in one weekend is very exciting for the community.”

Graduation Pow Wow at UM event schedule

9:45 a.m. – Pipe ceremony
12 p.m. – Grand Entry
1:30 p.m. – Honouring the graduates
3:30 p.m. – Feast
4:30 p.m. – Intertribal and category dancing
7 p.m. – Closing prayer

Learn more about what to expect at this year’s graduation pow wow by checking out the FAQ section on the UM website.