​The SJASD Graduation Powwow is set to take place on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at St. James Collegiate and co-hosted by Jameswood Alternative School.

The annual event celebrates Indigenous graduates across the Division in a culturally relevant manner.

Administrator of Indigenous Academic & Community Support April Waters notes that SJASD will celebrate a record number of Indigenous graduates this year—over 100 are eligible to receive diplomas—which she attributes to the work of students and educators as well as a rising number of students and families feeling comfortable self-identifying in the community.

“Everybody is welcome. The whole public is welcome," she says. “Even if people don't have connections to a graduate, it's still a great spot to take in a powwow for the first time."

Festivities get underway at a pipe ceremony at 4 p.m. led by Elder Bill Crompton. A community feast with bannock and beef stew will take place at 4:30 p.m., courtesy of culinary students at Ecole Sturgeon Heights Collegiate (stew) and Westwood, St. James, and John Taylor collegiates (bannock).

Grand Entry will take place at 5:15 p.m., which involves a procession with honoured guests (including those who have helped students along the way) and Elders and Knowledge Keepers that have done work in SJASD. They will be joined by powwow dancers from SJASD schools and the community, and the graduates themselves.

After hearing from Divisional leadership, April says dancing and drumming will take over and be interspersed with short biographies honouring the graduates.

The event will be emceed by well-known powwow master of ceremonies Ray “Co-Co" Stevenson.

“If you're someone who doesn't know protocol, such as when to stand, he explains things. The MC will help you," says April.

Miss Manito Ahbee Youth Ambassador Serene Goodwill will also be in attendance. Serene is a Grade 10 student from SJCI and her role honours the memory of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls.

There will also be an installation of art and Indigenous learnings from SJASD students across grade levels, as well as a marketplace featuring Indigenous artists, art and beadwork.

The event takes place in the George Waters gym. There is no cost to attend.