The annual celebration is one of the largest Pow Wows in the province and a way for the University of Manitoba to connect with the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

For the past two years, an online graduation celebration for Indigenous graduates was held in lieu of the event. This year, the in-person celebration will take place on May 7 at the Investors Group Athletic Centre on UM’s Fort Garry campus.

“We are thrilled to bring back the Graduation Pow Wow to both the UM and broader communities,” says Carla Loewen, director of the Indigenous Student Centre at UM. “Students have shown incredible resilience through the pandemic, and we look forward to celebrating the graduates and their accomplishments in person.”

Event schedule

9:30 a.m. – Pipe Ceremony

1 p.m. – Grand Entry

2:30 p.m. – Honouring the graduates

4 p.m. – Feast / cultural programming resumes

6 p.m. – Hoop dancers

7 p.m. – Closing prayer and payouts

POW WOW 101 / FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS A POW WOW?

Pow Wows are a traditional ceremony where people come together to dance and sing in celebration of life and the living. It is a time for communities to gather together to visit, dance, sing and celebrate culture and each other.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

Everyone is welcome to attend!

IS THERE AN ADMISSION FEE?

No, admission is free.

ARE MASKS REQUIRED?

Masks will be required at the Graduation Pow Wow. Please refer to UM’s Health and Safety Protocols webpage for up-to-date information on COVID-19 protocols – including acceptable mask types – at UM.

IS THERE A DRESS CODE?

There is no dress code for audience members; however, please dress modestly. For example, don’t wear a t-shirt with curse words on it. You’ll probably want to wear comfortable footwear. If you are wearing a hat, please remove it during the Grand Entry, Invocation, Honour, Memorial, Flag, Veterans, and Closing Songs.

THIS IS MY FIRST POW WOW. DO I HAVE TO SIGN UP? WHEN I ARRIVE, WHERE DO I GO?

Welcome to your first Pow Wow! No sign-up or registration is required – you can just show up. All guests and visitors are asked to enter the Pow Wow via the third-floor entrance. When you come in through the main entrance, take the stairs directly in front of you. If you need an elevator, there is one located to the left of the stairs. Once you enter the Pow Wow, you can sit anywhere in the stands/bleachers.

WHO ARE THE KEY PEOPLE AT POW WOWS?

The arena director is responsible for coordinating the dancers, drum groups and special guests who take part in special events and ceremonies at the Pow Wow.

The master of ceremony (or emcee) is responsible for announcing the events and guiding the Pow Wow. He/she keeps the order of the drum groups, explains the dances and protocols, tells jokes and announces events.

And of course, UM’s Graduation Pow Wow exists to honour the Indigenous graduates. Please help us congratulate them on their successes and wish them well.

We also have many volunteers who can help answer questions.

WHAT IS A GRAND ENTRY?

A Grand Entry signals the official beginning of the Pow Wow. It’s the time for the people involved to line up for a procession that brings them into the Pow Wow arena. It is lead by the Eagle Feather Staff, which, for many people, is a national symbol and flag. This Staff leads all other staffs and flags in the Grand Entry. The Eagle Staff is followed by flags (usually carried by Veterans), honoured guests, Princesses, Pow Wow organizers, dancers and graduates.

Please stand during the Grand Entry.

I’VE BEEN INVITED TO BE IN THE GRAND ENTRY. WHERE DO I GO?

When you arrive, please go to the VIP registration table beside the stage to sign in and get your nametag. Volunteers will show you where to line up. To learn more about Grand Entry, information sessions will be held prior to the event.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF DANCES?

At Graduation Pow Wow, you will see the Men’s Fancy Dress, Women’s Fancy Shawl, Men’s Traditional Dance, Women’s Traditional Dance, Jingle Dress, Grass Dance, Hoop Dance and Red River Jig.

THE REGALIA ARE BEAUTIFUL. AM I ALLOWED TO TOUCH?

No. Please do not touch anyone’s regalia. Please also refrain from touching other people’s hair/braids. These are all sacred and personal.

IT SAYS THE POW WOW IS AN ALL-DAY EVENT. AM I ALLOWED TO COME FOR JUST PART OF THE DAY?

Yes. You are welcome to come and go at any time during the day. Please check the schedule to be sure you are present for the specific parts of the days that are important to you.

HOW DO I GET TO THE FEAST?

The feast is taking place inside Investors Group Athletic Centre on the floor behind the stage. Please allow for Elders to be served first.

IS THERE A SCHEDULE?

Yes, please refer to the program or visit the website for the schedule of the day. Please note that while we try to stick to the schedule, unexpected things may come up. For example, if an Eagle Feather falls on the floor, all activity stops and there is a specific ceremony to “raise the Feather” that may take some time.

CAN I TAKE PICTURES?

Yes. However, do not take pictures during prayers or when the master of ceremonies has said not to. If you are taking pictures of dancers in regalia, it is always good to ask first.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER RULES I SHOULD BE AWARE OF?

Masks are required at the Graduation Pow Wow (please see earlier question with more details).

There is no drinking or drug use allowed. Please remember that the dance area is sacred, so refrain from swearing and other negative behaviour.

Selling crafts in the stands is prohibited.

The chairs on the main floor are reserved for singers and dancers.

Please help us keep the ceremony building clean. Put all garbage and recycling in the appropriate bins.

*Please be advised that there will be photos and videos taken during this event.

Everyone is welcome to join the group in a safe, family friendly environment where participants will learn different pow wow styles, along with song and drum teachings.

• FREE
• Family friendly
• No experience needed
• Regalia not required

There is no need to register, interested participants are simply asked to show up.

• Every Monday, starting January 14 to April  29
• 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
• U of M Active Living Centre, 430 University Crescent (Corner of University Crescent & Dafoe Road, click here for a map) (Parking in U Lot, free after 4:30 p.m.)
• 2nd Floor, Multipurpose Studio 264

How to get to the Active Living Centre at the University of Manitoba?

Click to enlarge

The Active Living Centre (ALC) at the University of Manitoba is located at 430 University Crescent (at the corner of University Crescent and Dafoe Road). There is a parking lot (called U Lot) located right beside the ALC off of Dafoe Road (take a left at the intersection of University Crescent and Dafoe Road. The parking lot is to your left). Parking is free after 4:30 p.m. There are doors to the ALC facing U Lot.

Once you arrive, make your way to the ALC front desk for further direction.

A view of the Active Living Centre from University Crescent

Bus Routes

There are a number of Winnipeg Transit bus routes that lead to and from the University of Manitoba. Please refer to the Winnipeg Transit website (www.winnipegtransit.ca) to plan your trip.

Questions?

Contact:
Heather McRae
204-474-7425
heather.mcrae@umanitoba.ca

Interested in teaching?

We need male and female Pow Wow dance instructors (all dances & dance styles). Dance instructors will be asked to teach a variety of ages and skill levels.

Contact:
Heather McRae
204-474-7425
heather.mcrae@umanitoba.ca

The success of these students is something to be proud of and the U of M would like to acknowledge the accomplishments of four new alumni, who are trailblazers, visionaries, and leaders in our community. 

Mario Phaneuf

Mario Phaneuf is a Métis graduate originally from Île-des-Chênes, Manitoba. He received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical) this year. His academic tenacity earned him the Governor General’s Silver Medal for outstanding achievement at the undergraduate level. For the last two summers, Phaneuf held an NSERC student research position with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, first studying and researching computational electromagnetics, then in the domain of antennas which will help him prepare for his next phase in his academic career: a master’s degree. Phaneuf was also a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers International, entering international design competitions on the UMSAE Formula Electric team. Phaneuf was part of the U of M’s Engineering Access Program (ENGAP), which provides an opportunity for students of Indigenous ancestry who may not have had access to the resources to obtain the prerequisites required to get into, prepare for, and succeed in engineering.

Kristin Flattery

Kristin Flattery is a Dakota and Ojibwe activist from Long Plain First Nation. She is a contemporary and multimedia artist who graduated this spring with an honours degree in fine art. As a proud mother of two sons, Kristin’s path to success took a winding road. In her first year at the U of M with her second child on the way, Kristin feared she would not be able to complete her degree. With perseverance and the communal support of her peers and advisors at the Indigenous Student Centre, she was able to achieve her goals. Kristin’s academic career is also highlighted with serving in a number of leadership roles, including female co-president and fine arts representative of the Aboriginal Students’ Association, the Indigenous representative to the School of Fine Art Students’ Association, the student representative for the Access and Aboriginal Focus Group and lastly, the Aboriginal Teacher Education Task Force student representative. This fall she will continue her studies at the University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Education, with the ultimate objective of becoming a professor in the School of Art.

Mihskakwan James Harper

Mihskakwan James Harper is originally from Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation in Alberta. He graduated from the mechanical engineering program in the Faculty of Engineering. Mihskakwan, who was a member of the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment Student Leadership Development Program (ICE), excelled at his studies with the help of the Engineering Access Program (ENGAP). After finishing his third year, Mihskakwan took an eight-month long co-op work term at Shell Canada in Fort McMurray where he was embedded in the engineering industry and developed the foundation of his technical skills. Mihskakwan completed a second co-op work term, this time with Boeing in Winnipeg for four months. He returned to his final year of school with a passion to build an ultra-efficient battery-electric vehicle. With what began as somewhat of a dream, Mihskakwan made his vision come alive by inspiring others to join him as part of the ecoMotion team. Together they raised the necessary funds from sponsors and worked diligently to compete in the International Shell Eco-marathon in Detroit, MI. Spearheaded by Mihskakwan, the U of M was the only Canadian team to compete in this category. As a U of M alumnus, Mihskakwan aspires to engineer a more sustainable and environmentally conscious world. 

Taylor Morriseau

Taylor Morriseau is a proud member of Peguis First Nation. She graduated this spring with a Bachelor of Science degree with double honours in microbiology and genetics. Her research tackles issues of clean drinking water in First Nations communities with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Create H2O Program for First Nations Water and Sanitation Security. From her hands-on research, she has become an advocate for change. Taylor continues to pursue a career in research as she starts her master of science degree in the department of pharmacology and therapeutics with a goal of combining innovation with tradition through the application of cutting-edge science to battle longstanding health disparities faced by Indigenous peoples. Under the supervision of Dr. Vernon Dolinksy, her research will focus on explaining the mechanisms of youth-onset Type 2 diabetes in Oji-Cree youth. Her dedication has not gone unnoticed: this year Taylor received the inaugural Indigenous Student Award of Excellence for Outstanding Achievement and an Emerging Leader Award. She also participated in the historic Daughters of the Vote conference in March, was a member of the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment Student Leadership Development Program (ICE), and was an active volunteer with Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program and the Children Rising Mentorship program.

Indigenous Achievement is designated as one of the key priorities for the Front and Centre campaign. Under this pillar the U of M is dedicated to providing scholarships and bursaries to Indigenous Students, establishing earlier connections with Indigenous youth through mentorship and outreach programs, and facilitating the transition from early years through to post-secondary education.

The University of Manitoba is enriched by an Indigenous community of over 2,400 students, staff and faculty along with thousands of alumni. We are thankful for the gifts they bring and the knowledge they share, making our campuses a better place to learn, work, and be inspired. 

Today, let us take the opportunity to join in a celebration of National Aboriginal Day, honouring the rich histories, cultures and traditions, as well as the many contributions, of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit people of Turtle Island.  

And, as we mark the University’s 140th anniversary, let us reflect on our past with honesty and commit to a future based on the principles of mutual trust, respect, and reciprocity.

In May, at the 28^th Annual Graduation Pow Wow, our community celebrated the highest number of Indigenous graduates ever – over 430 visionaries and leaders.

This year, six new Indigenous scholar positions have been established in faculties across our campuses, and 22 new Indigenous initiatives projects were funded to advance the University’s strong commitment to Indigenous achievement and to further embed Indigenous perspectives into curriculum, programs and research.

Just a few weeks ago, Ongomiizin Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing was launched at the Bannatyne campus – a direct response to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action, particularly in the areas of health care and health education.

In September, we will welcome U of M’s first Vice-Provost (Indigenous Engagement), Dr. Lynn Lavallée, who fills a position that has evolved from the University’s innovative Executive Lead, Indigenous Achievement.  

Yesterday, I had the honour of signing the City of Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord on behalf of the University of Manitoba, committing to working together with the Mayor, Elders, Indigenous leaders, and other groups and organizations to take action in advancing reconciliation.

And today, the entire U of M community is invited to come together in a round dance circling the Administration Building. I hope that you will be able to participate in the celebrations. 

Joining hands and spirits, we can make real progress on the path to reconciliation. 

Miigwetch,

David

It was with a mixture of pride and joy that Manitobans recently learned more indigenous students are graduating from post-secondary institutions in this province than ever before.

The University of Manitoba annual Traditional Graduation Powwow, held each year to celebrate the achievements of indigenous graduates, welcomed 430 students this year, one of the highest totals ever. The story was very much the same at Red River College’s graduation powwow, where another 120 indigenous graduates were honoured. Over at the University of Winnipeg, where every student is mandated to take an indigenous studies course, the number of students that self-identify as indigenous is growing exponentially.

This is incredibly good news. Higher education is key to freeing indigenous people from a cycle of poverty and familial dysfunction. However, we know by now that there is no such thing as a permanent solution to a big social problem.

Progress on one front must be weighed against regression on other fronts. And just as there is evidence of progress in graduating indigenous students from university and college, so too there are signs of slippage in other parts of the education continuum.

The same week as we witnessed the impressive turnout at graduation powwows, the alarm was raised at a North End Winnipeg high school about extremely high student absentee rates….

The graduation powwows at Manitoba post-secondary schools are proof that we are making progress. However, the situation at St. John’s High School reminds us that the only true solution to a profound social problem is constant vigilance.

The celebration began with a Pipe Ceremony at 10 a.m. and was followed by invigorating performances, including music by fiddler Darren Lavallee, also known as the Marvelous Métis.

At noon, the first Grand Entry of the day entered Investors Group Athletic Centre. The Grand Entry is a procession of graduands, Indigenous dancers, community flags, Indigenous veterans and dignitaries from both the campus and wider community.

After the Grand Entry, the powerful sound of drums filled the room as 280 Indigenous dancers in full regalia danced in one of Manitoba’s largest Pow Wows. Over 80 drum circles and Indigenous singers from throughout Manitoba and some from Saskatchewan, came to honour this year’s graduates.

For the fourth year, Indigenous students were gifted special scarves as part of the Graduation Pow Wow. Each scarf features a feather, Inukshuk and Métis flag, representing First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities that make up the Indigenous population at the U of M. The scarves were approved as official academic dress last year and Indigenous students are encouraged to wear these scarves during university-wide convocation ceremonies.

Following the ceremony, students, family and their friends were also treated to a feast. A second Grand Entry also took place later in the evening.

By the time she was 26, Ashley Richard had co-founded a magazine.

Richard, the granddaughter of the late Winnipeg elder and indigenous trailblazer Mary Richard, works at an executive search firm with offices in Montreal, Winnipeg and Ottawa. This weekend she was part of a record number of indigenous graduates who were celebrated at the University of Manitoba.

Richard graduated with honours a month ago, earning a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the Asper School of Business. The magazine she co-founded with a group of friends, Red Rising, is a non-profit platform with an online site that features aboriginal writers, musicians and artists.

She always intended to get an education, she said, but barely a decade ago, her life was headed in a much different direction. She was homeless for a year in Toronto after taking off on her own at age 15.

“I ultimately ended up in a youth shelter,” Richard said, “and I met a lot of people who were a lot older than me. I couldn’t believe they were at the same stage I was. I couldn’t picture myself being 24 and still living at this shelter I was at when I’m 17. That motivated me to go back to high school. I knew I couldn’t get anywhere without an education.”

The day begins with a Pipe Ceremony at 10 a.m.

From 11 a.m. to noon, Darren Lavallee, also known as the Marvelous Métis, will be setting the tone for the day with lively fiddle music. 

At noon, the traditional drums begin to beat at the first Grand Entry. A Grand Entry is a procession of community flags, Indigenous veterans, VIPs from both the campus and wider community who have contributed in some way to the success of the graduates, and of course, the graduates themselves.

At 2 p.m., the graduates will be honoured. This is followed by a feast at 5 p.m. in the Multi Purpose Room on the second floor of UMSU University Centre.

A second Grand Entry takes place at 7 p.m.

The Pipe Ceremony, Grand Entries and honouring the graduates take place at Investors Group Athletic Centre. All are welcome to attend and all events are free.

For more information on the Graduation Pow Wow, including how to register to walk in the Grand Entries, contact the Indigenous Student Centre at 204-474-8850 or isc [at] umanitoba [dot] ca.

Creating Pathways to Indigenous Achievement is an institutional priority for the University of Manitoba, with a goal to celebrate achievements by Indigenous faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners.

Indigenous Achievement is a pillar of Front and Centre — the campaign for the University of Manitoba, with $65 million directed toward this priority. By collaborating with Indigenous communities and stakeholders, the University of Manitoba is striving to be a welcoming place that translates into success for Indigenous students and their families.

National Aboriginal Day provides an opportunity for us to celebrate together the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada. It’s an opportunity I encourage all members of the University of Manitoba community to make the most of, in all spheres of our lives, including here on our campuses. The celebration of the foundational and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples helps connect us to our true collective identity as inhabitants of this land. What’s more, this recognition builds the bridges essential to reconciliation, for a deep and meaningful understanding of the issues we face requires an appreciation both of wrongs done and gifts overlooked.

Here at the University of Manitoba our path to reconciliation and the advancement of Indigenous achievement includes the recent 27th Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow, where we celebrated the graduation of more than 350 Indigenous students from the U of M. This year’s celebration drew friends, family and community members for one of the largest crowds in the event’s history. Together, attendees enjoyed a community feast and performances by the Métis Club Traditional Dancers, with 26 drum groups and more than 250 dancers sharing their gifts at the celebration.

Taking action on the Indigenous Education Blueprint, signed on our campus this past December, the U of M is working with partners on Phase II – the development of a collaborative implementation plan. The 5-year plan will be in place in 2017, and will create opportunities that benefit Indigenous students and families, and enhance the lives of all Manitobans. Together, the Blueprint partners are committing to activities that advance reconciliation and support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action.

Weaving Indigenous knowledge, cultures and traditions into the fabric of our University is key to transforming our campuses into a welcoming place for Indigenous students, faculty and staff. It is also integral to fostering learning and understanding that will benefit all of us as Manitobans and Canadians. As part of this commitment, our University has dedicated funding to recruit a number of new Indigenous scholars and increase the number of Indigenous faculty.

Just last week I had the opportunity to participate in Pathways to Reconciliation – a national conference co-hosted by the University of Manitoba, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the University of Winnipeg. One year after the closing of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the passing of the torch to the NCTR, it was an opportunity to explore our understanding, and take further steps towards reconciliation. I was heartened that the conference was completely subscribed, with over 350 participants taking part in the conversation. We have all been called upon by the TRC to be leaders in reconciliation – as an educational institution, as individuals and as Canadians. It’s incumbent upon all of us to take action.

Miigwetch,

David

The Cree and Métis mother of three started at the U of M in her 30s, studying part-time while raising a family and working full-time.

“I always wanted to go to university but it was important to me to stay home and raise my kids. So I started going back to school when my youngest was in kindergarten,” says Vanessa.

She was able to complete her four-year arts degree in psychology this year, the same year her eldest daughter Savannah graduates from the U of M. The two celebrated their academic accomplishments and their Indigenous heritage at this year’s Traditional Graduation Pow Wow.

Marking its 27^th anniversary, the Traditional Graduation Pow Wow is one of the largest in the province and a way for the U of M to connect with the next generation of Indigenous leaders. The Pow Wow honours and celebrates the academic achievements of Indigenous post-secondary graduates with a full day ceremony in the Investors Group Athletic Centre on the Fort Garry campus. The day began with a traditional Pipe Ceremony and also featured dancing, drumming, and a celebration feast for all in attendance.

Purple scarves representing Indigenous cultures were given to grads at the Pow Wow. This was the third year these scarves were presented to Indigenous grads and the first year they have been officially approved to wear at convocation.

“I’ve been looking forward to graduating at the Pow Wow since I’ve been coming to university,” says Vanessa. “Especially now that they have the convocation scarves, that was one of my big motivators and it actually helped to pull me through third year. Receiving that in front of friends and family and my mentors was really meaningful.”

Her daughter Savannah – who majored in anthropology and graduated with a bachelor of arts – agrees.

“It’s nice to be able to connect with culture that I didn’t necessarily know I had when I was younger, especially because it’s helping me celebrate something so monumental in my life journey – graduating university. It’s a really good experience to mix culture and academics and that makes it important to me.”

Vanessa has volunteered at the Pow Wow for two years and says support from the Indigenous Student Centre helped her immensely.

“Migizii Agamik has been a huge part of me being able to graduate. The people here have been so supportive of me graduating and so helpful in so many different ways, so to graduate at the Pow Wow was awesome for me. It’s a culturally relevant way of reclaiming part of who we are. It’s a celebration of who I am as a person and also to be surrounded by my peers who have been on a similar journey to me and that’s been really meaningful.”

The shared experiences between Vanessa and Savannah have helped both mother and daughter throughout their time at the U of M. When Vanessa started, her kids were young but still supportive. They would all help with chores at home or give Vanessa the space and time to do her work.

As Savannah aged and started university her roles evolved. She edited her mother’s papers and during exam time the two would support each other as much as they could. One would study and the other would make food and so on.

Vanessa’s familiarity navigating the U of M application process also helped to keep her daughter on track.

“She showed me a bunch of bursaries and scholarships and so on. That was most important for me because I wouldn’t have come to university if I didn’t have the funds for it,” says Savannah. “Every time she would tell me about a bursary or something she would also help me fill it out and that helped me keep going to school.”

Their time at the U of M has strengthened the mother-daughter bond between Vanessa and Savannah. Their shared experience gives them reason to celebrate.

“For me as a mom it’s super exciting to have graduated with my daughter. I’m really proud of her. I’m excited to share this with her. Also that she’s graduating university is a huge accomplishment when she’s only 20 and it was pretty exciting to do it at the Pow Wow too,” says Vanessa.