The SJASD Graduation Powwow is set to take place on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Collège Sturgeon Heights Collegiate.
This annual event celebrates the accomplishments of Indigenous graduates across the Division.
Administrator of Indigenous Education & Community Support April Waters notes that SJASD will celebrate over one hundred Indigenous graduates this year, from all five SJASD high schools.
“This is a beautiful opportunity for our entire school division community to come listen, learn, celebrate and build relationships. For so many who attend, it's their first powwow, and they're always blown away by it. It's just so much fun to see the pride in our students and their families," she says.
Festivities kick off with at a pipe ceremony at 4 p.m. led by Elder Bill Crompton. A community feast will take place at 4:30 p.m. featuring stew, prepared by Sturgeon Heights' Culinary Arts program, and fresh bannock prepared by John Taylor Collegiate and Westwood Collegiate home economics classes.
Like last year, Grand Entry will take place at 5:15 p.m.. It involves drumming, song, and a procession with honoured guests, as well as Elders and Knowledge Keepers. This will be followed by powwow dancers and the graduates themselves.
Attendees will hear from Senior Administrators, enjoy dancing and drumming, and celebrate graduates as they hear short student bios as each student is recognized.
The ceremony will be emceed by Coco Stevenson, who will help direct attendees in powwow protocols, as well as educate the community about the various dances.
Once again this year, there will be an Indigenous marketplace set up outside the venue featuring Indigenous art and beadwork, as well as installations featuring Indigenous-themed student learnings and art.
Powwow dancers and drummers can register by 4:45 p.m. on the day of the event to receive an honorarium for their services.
The event takes place in the Collège Sturgeon Heights gymnasium and there is no cost to attend. All are welcome.
