The School of Indigenous Education hosts Pow Wow recognizing Indigenous graduates’ achievements; coincides with Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Metis – Today, at the Notre Dame Campus, RRC Polytech hosts its 23^rd annual Pow Wow to celebrate Indigenous students and graduates, while honouring the Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit people (MMIWG2S) or Red Dress Day.

“Creating space to celebrate Indigenous achievement is essential action for reconciliation and is the responsibility of all of us that call North America—Turtle Island—home,” said Isabel Bright, Dean of the School of Indigenous Education at RRC Polytech. “While we celebrate the achievements of all Indigenous students, it’s important to recognize that the date of our Pow Wow coincides with the Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People. Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people deserve as much respect and safety as any other people, and the disproportionate historical and modern trends in violence resulting must be recognized.”

RRC Polytech will lower the campus flags to half-mast and recognize the day with a Memorial Song dedicated to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people, their families and those impacted by the loss of loved ones.

Earlier this year, RRC Polytech leadership was invited into Indigenous communities to hear directly from members about the barriers Indigenous learners face when considering post-secondary education. Some individuals expressed fears for the safety of their daughters or granddaughters leaving community to come to Winnipeg or another urban centre, and whether they would make it home.

“Not only should we ensure all students are getting the highest-quality education we can offer, but they should feel safe while doing so – this should never be a barrier to access,” said Fred Meier, RRC President and CEO. “We will continue to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities to ensure we are taking meaningful steps to address the TRC Calls to Action, and to ensure that all women, girls and Two Spirit people are supported and safe in their educational journey.”

Each year, RRC Polytech’s Pow Wow welcomes hundreds of guests, community members, dancers, drummers, College staff, faculty and Indigenous from all programs to join in the community celebration, hosted by the School of Indigenous Education with guidance and leadership of the College’s Elders-in-Residence. Students have the opportunity to participate in ceremony and receive individual recognition with a gift.

The event will begin with a pipe ceremony followed by Grand Entry will beginning at noon, the memorial to MMIWG2S, and the honouring of Indigenous graduates. Performances will include Metis jigging and square-dancing group the Asham Stompers, Inuit Throat Singers Zeann Manernaluk and Aleatra Sammurtok, and local drum groups, dancers and vendors. For a full event agenda, please click here.

Date: Friday May 5, 2022
Where: 2055 Notre Dame Avenue, Notre Dame Campus, North Gym

Agenda:
10:00 am – Pipe Ceremony
Please note: All are welcome to observe the pipe ceremony. However, items used during the pipe ceremony, and the pipe ceremony itself, cannot be photographed or video recorded.
12:00 pm – Grand Entry 
12:45 pm – Memorial Song for MMIWG2S 2:00 pm – Graduate Awards Presentation4:30 pm – Feast