Aboriginal student success celebrated at university powwow
- NC Raine | June 15, 2017
In celebration of the academic achievements of the 2017 graduating Métis, First Nation, and Inuit high school and university students across the province, the University of Saskatchewan held their ninth annual Graduation Powwow. The celebration was attended by more than 1,800 children from 35 schools across Saskatchewan.
“The population of Aboriginal people in the province are growing significantly, and these youth that are going to school and getting their education, they're going to be leaders in the community,” said Graeme Joseph, Team Leader of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Success at the Aboriginal Students' Centre.
“We want to show that Aboriginal students can come here, be successful, and go on with their lives with an education behind them.”
Approximately 386 Aboriginal students at the University of Saskatchewan will graduate this June, and 98 more graduated in the fall of 2016. As for high school students, 350 grade 12 Aboriginal graduates from 28 schools across the province registered to be part of the powwow.
One of the attending University graduates was Dana Carriere, a Business Administration Masters student. On her third Degree, Carriere had attended the Powwow in previous years and found the experience to be one of great community and support.
“As a Cree/Metis woman, I felt beautiful, love, and empowered. It is special to just have a day to celebrate yourself, and to have your family and community celebrate you,” said Carriere.
“Our culture is so important and to be able to incorporate First Nations and Métis culture and ceremony into our celebrations at the University, it demonstrates the strength and pride that we have as Aboriginal people.”
The celebration was also attended by a number of dignitaries honouring the graduates, including Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Felix Thomas, University of Saskatchewan President Peter Stoicheff, and University Chancellor Roy Romanow.
“For both the children and graduates that are here, the best thing you can do for reconciliation is to come to University. And for parents, the best thing you can do is support your children,” said Chief Thomas during his address to the high school students. “As an alumnus, that's one of the things I cherish most.”
“It's an amazing feeling to know you've earned a diploma to take with you to the next stage of your life,” said Chancellor Romanow. “The University of Saskatchewan is a leader in Indigenous scholarships and Indigenous success. We've been at the forefront and will continue to be, with your cooperation.”
Attendees were also treated to a number of Indigenous traditions and ceremonies, including a competitive drum and dancing competition featuring hundreds of participants from across Canada. Roughly $25,000 in prize money was awarded, and the proceedings were streamed live online via the University of Saskatchewan website.
“In addition to recognizing the graduates, it's also a cultural celebration and opportunity for all students, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, to participate in the celebration and have an educational opportunity,” said Joseph.
For students of all walks of life at any stage of their academic career, the Graduation Powwow continues to be an important reminder as to the history on which our province is built.
“I think specifically of those students graduating from programs like medicine, law, education. These graduates are going to take on jobs that serve not just an Aboriginal community, but the wide community as a whole,” said Joseph. “So, recognizing that and showing them who they are as Indigenous people graduating from the University is an important message for everyone.”