Thousands to attend U of S Graduation Powwow

The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) Graduation Powwow celebrates First Nations, Métis and Inuit graduates from the U of S and from high schools across the province. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event.

By James Shewaga
University of Saskatchewan Graduation Powwow
Wednesday, May 27
8:30 am to 4:30 pm The Bowl (or the Education Gymnasium if it rains)
University of Saskatchewan

In total, 363 U of S Aboriginal students have applied to graduate this June and 120 will participate in this year's Graduation Powwow and will be honoured in a special ceremony at noon. More than 1,700 children from schools across the province have registered to attend, including 304 Grade 12 Aboriginal graduates who will be honoured at the powwow. Hundreds of dancers, drummers and singers of all ages from across North America are expected to take part in competitions throughout the day, with $25,000 in prize money to be awarded.

Powwow schedule:

8:30-9:30 am: School and Grade 12 graduate check-in.
10 am: Grand Entry and Grade 12 honouring.
11 am: Youth dance and drum competition.
11 am-2:30 pm: Children's Area, independent activities.
11 am-noon: Children's Area, 20-minute guided sessions. Métis storytelling, Métis flag, Métis and First Nations traditional hand games, First Nations storytelling, Introduction to Powwow regalia.
11 am-4 pm: BBQ.
Noon: U of S graduate honouring.
1-2:15 pm: Children's Area, 20-minute guided sessions. Métis storytelling, Métis flag, Métis and First Nations traditional hand games, First Nations storytelling, Introduction to Powwow regalia.
1-4:30 pm: Adult dance and drum competition.

For more information, and to watch the powwow live online, visit usask.ca/aboriginal.

For more information, contact:
Meghan Sired
Communications Coordinator
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-6068 (office) 306-381-7992 (cell)
meghan.sired@usask.ca