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´şÉ«Ö±˛Ą honours the academic achievements of graduating Indigenous students with the Indigenous Graduation Banquet and Pow-wow on Saturday, June 2. 

Aligning with the recently launched Indigenous Strategy, ii’ taa’poh’to’p, the event theme is A Journey Begins and is organized by the Native Centre. The evening features a reception, banquet and awards presentation. It also features a traditional pow-wow, which provides an opportunity for the entire campus community to come together in support of the accomplishments of the graduands and to participate in the cultural event. Tickets for the banquet must be purchased in advance.

Banquet ceremonies include a MĂ©tis sash presentation, fiddle music, and the presentation of Student and Community Awards

Prior to the banquet, MĂ©tis graduates are presented with a sash from a representative of the MĂ©tis Nation of Alberta Region III and  This presentation is accompanied by live traditional MĂ©tis fiddle music.

There will be a number of highlights throughout the banquet, including the presentation of two student awards, the Royal Eagle Award and the Dr. Olive Dickason Award. To recognize and honour the individual achievements and contributions made this past year by faculty, professionals, Indigenous community members, and support staff, four awards will be presented including the Rev. Dr. Chief John Snow Sr. Award, Dr. Douglas Cardinal Award, Dr. Joseph Crowshoe Award and Dr. Ralph Steinhauer Award.

A special ceremony that is unique to the university takes place during the pow-wow, called the Circle of Honour. The Native Centre presents each Indigenous degree recipient with a ceremonial gift blessed by spiritual leaders from the community and presented by traditional knowledge keepers and faculty members. 

“Our Indigenous Strategy, ii’tah’poh’to’p, means a place to rejuvenate and re-energize during a journey,” said Amanda Ens, manager of the Native Centre.

“´şÉ«Ö±˛Ą has been one step in that journey and we know that campus has been a place of transformation and connection for our students. The opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate all of the students’ accomplishments will be so meaningful.”

Campus community invited to traditional pow-wow

The event will celebrate the achievements of 122 undergraduates, 21 post-degree certificates, eight post-degree diplomas, 24 master's and three doctoral students. After the banquet, the pow-wow will begin at 7 p.m. in MacEwan Hall, and is free, child-friendly and open to the public.