The UWinnipeg 21st annual Graduation Pow Wow is returning to the Duckworth Centre to honour Indigenous; First Nations, Metis, and Inuit grads. All staff, students, faculty, and alumni as well as community members are invited on May 3 to celebrate the academic achievements of students who will be graduating at the spring convocation on June 11 and 12.
The celebrations take place at Duckworth Centre, 400 Spence St., on May 3. The day will start with a Pipe and Water Ceremony at 11 a.m. followed by the Grand Entry at 12:30 p.m. Craft vendors will also be set up at the event, and a community feast will be held at 2:30 p.m.
Registration for dancers and drummers will open at 10 a.m. Honourariums will be provided to all dancers and the first 10 drum groups. Grads will be honoured prior to any contests which are open for all ages. Contest categories include Tiny Tots, Junior, Teens, Adult, and Golden Age. Dance categories will include Jingle, Traditional, Fancy Shawl, Traditional Bustle, Grass, and Fancy Bustle.
The Pow Wow will once again feature a Red Dress Special in honour of Red Dress Day (May 5) and National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+). The Special will include a ceremony to honour graduates who are family members of MMIWG2S+ and will be hosted by Giganawenimaanaanig (also known as the Manitoba MMIWG2S+ Coalition).
Celebrating graduation in this way is both an act of resistance and a powerful reclamation of space.
Sarah DeLaronde atkinson
“In a context where Indigenous students have historically faced systemic barriers in education and where relationships with the Western education system have been deeply impacted by the legacy of residential schools and ongoing colonial practices—celebrating graduation in this way is both an act of resistance and a powerful reclamation of space,” said Sarah DeLaronde Atkinson, Manager of Indigenous Student Services Centre. Over 40 UWinnipeg graduates will be honoured at the event.
There is no cost to attend, and all are welcome. ISSC asks that attendees are respectful of the dancers and grads. Volunteers and staff will be on site to answer any questions.
Master of Ceremonies – Kyle Copenace
Arena Director – Tyson Henry
Hosted by – UW Indigenous Student Services Centre
For more information, please visit the Graduation Pow Wow website.
The UWinnipeg Graduation Pow Wow is one of three events held this weekend to honour post-secondary students across the city, including at RRC Polytech on May 1 and The University of Manitoba on May 2.
