About our powwow
Since 2009, the university’s annual powwow has been held in the spring to celebrate the academic achievements of graduating Métis, First Nations and Inuit students from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) and Saskatchewan high schools. The main U of S campus is located on Treaty 6 territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We also have off-campus sites on Treaties 4, 8 and 10.
Everyone welcome
Thousands of children from kindergarten to Grade 12 attend our annual Graduation Powwow. Attendees have the opportunity to:
- celebrate and honour Indigenous 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 workshops.
In partnership with
Head Staff
Masters of ceremonies: Donnie Speidel from Standing Rock Sioux, USA, and Chris Scribe (Nakota/Cree) from Kino Saeo Sipi, Man.
Arena directors: Donnie Rain and Dougie Rain (Nakota ) from Paul Band First Nation, Alta.
Head dance judge: Candace Gadwa (Cree) from Kehewin Cree Nation, Alta.
Head male dancer: TJ Warren (Navajo) from Red Mesa, Ariz.
Head female dancer: Laryn Oakes (Plains Cree/Meskwaki/Navajo) from Nekaneet First Nation, Sask.
Head drum judge: John Noon (Cree) from Thunderchild First Nation, Sask.
Host drum: Blackstone from Sweetgrass First Nation, Sask.
Metis Dance Coordinator: Bruce Sinclair (Métis) from Meadow Lake/Battlefords, Sask.
Sound: Angelo Wasteste
U of S graduating students
If you're a Métis, First Nations or Inuit U of S student, register to attend the Graduation Powwow when you apply to graduate in PAWS.
In April, all self-declared Indigenous students who applied to graduate will be contacted by someone from the Aboriginal Students' Centre to confirm whether or not they are attending the powwow.
Register to attend
Students of all ages are welcome to attend the powwow! Please have one person from your school register all students who plan on attending the powwow, including any graduating Grade 12 Aboriginal students.
Powwow expo
The expo is a great opportunity for you to promote your organization and engage with powwow attendees, and for artisans to market their products.
Photos and video
The University of Saskatchewan will be taking photographs and videos (including a live video on Facebook) of event participants. Some of the videos and photographs taken will be posted on social media sites and webpages and will be used on future promotional material.
Questions?
Contact the Aboriginal Students’ Centre at 306-966-5790 or asc.powwow@usask.ca.