U of S Graduation Powwow to attract thousands

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

University of Saskatchewan Graduation Powwow
Wednesday, May 30, 8:45 am
Education Gym
University of Saskatchewan
 
Attendees have the opportunity to celebrate and honour graduands, listen to traditional First Nations drumming, singing and Métis fiddle music, watch a variety of traditional First Nations and Métis dance styles, and participate in educational children's activities.
 
For more information, and to watch the powwow live online at 9:30 am and 12 pm, visit usask.ca/powwow.
 
Powwow schedule:

8:45 am: High school graduates line up for grand entry
9 am: Drum roll call

9:15 am:Square dancing exhibition
9:30 am: Grand entry and honouring of high school graduates (streamed live online)
10:30 am–noon: Children's area open
10:30 am: Youth dance and drum competition
11:45 pm: U of S graduates line up for honouring
Noon: Honouring of U of S graduands (streamed live online)
1:30–3 pm: Children's area open
1:30–4:30 pm: Adult dance and drum competition

Available for interview:

  • Graeme Joseph, chair of the Graduation Powwow Committee and team leader of First Nations, Métis and Inuit student success, Aboriginal Students’ Centre, U of S
  • Jacqueline Ottmann, vice-provost of Indigenous Engagement, U of S
  • Indigenous student graduands
  • Powwow spectators 
  • Drummers and dancers
Related statistics
In total, 384 Indigenous U of S students are expected to graduate this June with 116 Indigenous students who graduated in the 2017 fall ceremony. Of those students, 115 have registered to participate in this year’s Graduation Powwow and will be honoured at a special ceremony at noon. Almost 300 Grade 12 Indigenous graduands from 18 schools across the province have registered to be honoured at the powwow.  
 
The powwow is also an important educational opportunity. More than 2,100 children from 40 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 $20,000 in competition prize money for all age groups and categories. 
 

 

For more information, contact:

John Shelling
Communications and Publications Specialist
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-2365(office)
306-914-1221 (cell)
Media Relations Specialist
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-1851