The U of M hosted its 36th Annual Graduation Pow Wow on Saturday, honouring over 470 Indigenous students that graduated during the academic year.
Certificates of achievement were handed out in the Investors Group Athletic Centre as part of several scheduled events that took place throughout the day — including a pipe and water ceremony, pow wow dances, community meals and a closing prayer.
“Today is the day where our community comes together to recognize the hard work, commitment and perseverance that is here in each and every one of you,” stated Desiree Morrisseau-Keesick, one of the event emcees and U of M director of Indigenous student recruitment and community relations.
“Over the years, I have heard countless times how important this day is to our graduates. For some, even more important than their convocation ceremony,” she said.
The graduation pow wow’s grand entry took place at 12 p.m. and was led by flag bearers. Photo by Milan Lukes
Approximately 120 Indigenous students attended the ceremony and were gifted Indigenous stoles, which were first introduced in 2014 for the 25th Annual Graduation Pow Wow. At the bottom of each stole were blue, yellow, red and white stripes — colours connected to teachings from Migizii Agamik (Bald Eagle Lodge) on campus, according to the university.
Métis students also received a traditional red Métis sash from the Manitoba Métis Federation.
Pow wow dances during the celebration included traditional buckskin and cloth, traditional, jingle dress, grass, fancy feather, fancy shawl, chicken and Métis jigging. Photo by Zulkifl Rafah
A multitude of degrees in various disciplines were conferred upon the graduating students, ranging from undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees.
“This moment is an acknowledgement not only of your academic achievements, but it’s to celebrate your resilience, cultural continuity and a future grounded in Indigenous strength, knowledge and leadership,” said Angie Bruce, U of M vice-president (Indigenous).
“You carry the hopes of your family, your communities and your ancestors. You have changed this university, infusing it with Indigenous excellence through your presence and your actions and most importantly, you are changing the world.”
Bruce told the Manitoban that “the university is committed to reconciliation and part of that for us is really showcasing how Indigenous ways of being, doing, knowing can integrate with an academic setting.”
“To the graduands, you’re about to be at the centre of so much positive change and growth, and we need you,” said Michael Benarroch, U of M president and vice-chancellor.
The celebration also included speeches from graduate co-speakers Dane Monkman and Lauren Hallett.
Graduates Dane Monkman (left) and Lauren Hallett (right) shared their journeys leading up to graduation and spoke directly to the graduating students. Photo by Zulkifl Rafah
Hallett, a Red River Michif from Winnipeg with Cree and Métis roots, stated that the friendships made during classes, the University of Manitoba Indigenous Students’ Association and the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment program “shaped and changed me for the better.”
“Having people to celebrate with and commiserate with is how I dealt with the mental, physical and emotional load of school on my spirit,” said Hallett.
“While I’ve heard many times and felt like this institution was not built for us, I found a community here that had built me.”
Empowering ceremony, says graduates
Madison Winter, one of the graduates, described the ceremony as “very empowering.”
“A lot of these students here struggled for many years to get their degree,” she said, adding that the event showcased the university’s Indigenous community.
Sheri Shorting, a bachelor of health studies graduate, also referred to the ceremony as empowering.
“It’s the first step, not only for the future, which is Indigenous, but for all those who come before us and all those who come after,” she said.
Graduate Payton Halldorson poses with her certificate of achievement alongside university president and vice-chancellor Michael Benarroch (left) and university vice-president (Indigenous) Angie Bruce (right). Photo by Zulkifl Rafah
“It’s amazing to see how many Indigenous graduates there are on campus,” said Kristen Pratt. “Just to have us all together under one roof and having our honour songs, it’s truly amazing.”
Caitlyn Swampy from Sagkeeng First Nation described the ceremony as inclusive, stating that she felt welcomed and honoured.
According to the university’s Office of Institutional Analysis, nearly 3,000 students — representing 9.6 per cent of the total fall enrollment — identified as Indigenous.
The University of Winnipeg and Red River College also held graduation pow wows during the first week of May to celebrate Indigenous graduates.
