USask Graduation Powwow to attract thousands and celebrate Indigenous academic success

Media are invited to attend the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Graduation Powwow, in partnership with Affinity Credit Union, which celebrates the academic success of Métis, First Nations and Inuit graduates from USask and local high schools.

University of Saskatchewan Graduation Powwow
Friday, May 31
Merlis Belsher Place
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon

 Attendees have the opportunity to celebrate and honour graduates, listen to traditional First Nations drumming, singing and Métis fiddle music, watch a variety of traditional First Nations and Métis dance styles, and attend interactive educational sessions and 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:

9:30 am Grand entry and honouring of USask graduates

11 am                    Youth dance and drum competition

12 pm                    Honouring of high school graduates

12:35 pm              Creeland Dancers exhibition

1 pm                      Teen and adult dance and drum competition

10:30 am – 12:30 pm, 1 – 3 pm
Education area open in the Ron and Jane Graham Gymnasium

11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2pm
Interactive educational sessions in the Ron and Jane Graham Gymnasium

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, USask
  • Jacqueline Ottmann, Vice Provost of Indigenous Engagement, USask
  • Head woman dancer Khoniss Wuttunee (ITEP Student)
  • Indigenous student graduates
  • Powwow spectators
  • Drummers and dancers

Related statistics

In total approximately 377 Indigenous USask students are expected to graduate this June with 390 degrees, certificates and diplomas and 125 graduated in the 2018 fall October ceremony. Of those students, 140 have registered to participate in this year’s Graduation Powwow and will be honoured at a special ceremony at 9:30 am. Around 400

Grade 12 Indigenous graduates from 30 schools across the province have registered to be honoured at the powwow. 

The powwow is also an important educational opportunity. More than 2,300 children from 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 $26,000 in competition prize money and day pay 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)
john.shelling@usask.ca