U of S Graduation Powwow to attract thousands

SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) Graduation Powwow, in partnership with Affinity Credit Union, celebrates the academic achievements of graduating Métis, First Nations and Inuit students from the U of S and from high schools across the province.

University of Saskatchewan Graduation Powwow
Wednesday, May 31
The Bowl
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon

Attendees have the opportunity to celebrate and honour Aboriginal graduates from Saskatchewan, listen to traditional First Nations drumming and singing, watch a variety of traditional First Nations dance styles and dress and participate in educational children's activities.

For more information, and to watch the powwow live online at 10 am and 1 pm, visit usask.ca/powwow.

Powwow schedule:

9:30 am: High school graduates line up for grand entry
9:45 am: Drum roll call
10 am: Grand entry and honouring of high school graduates (streamed live online)
10:30 am–12:30 pm: Children’s area open
11 am: Youth dance and drum competition
12:30 pm: U of S graduates line up for honouring
1 pm: Honouring of U of S graduates (streamed live online)
1–3 pm: Children’s area open
2–4 pm: Adult dance and drum competition

Available for interview:

  • Graeme Joseph, Team Leader of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Success, Aboriginal Students’ Centre, U of S
  • Aboriginal student graduates
  • Lindsay Thorimbert, Affinity Credit Union (office: 306-385-4406, cell: 306-850-0655)
  • Powwow spectators
  • Drummers and dancers

Related statistics

In total, approximately 386 Aboriginal U of S students applied to graduate this June and 98 graduated in the 2016 fall October ceremony with 109 of those students have registered to participate in this year’s Graduation Powwow.

Almost 350 Grade 12 Aboriginal graduates from 28 schools across the province have registered to be honored at the powwow. 

The powwow is also an important educational opportunity. More than 1,800 children from 35 schools across the province have registered to attend 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. There is roughly $25,000 in competition prize money for all age groups and categories.

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