The SJASD Graduation Powwow will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at Collège Sturgeon Heights Collegiate.
This annual event celebrates the success of Indigenous grads from across SJASD.
April Waters is the Administrator of Indigenous Education & Community Support.
“Just showing up to the graduation powwow can be powerful. When our graduates see a gym full of people cheering them on, it sends a strong message: you are valued, and your success matters. It's also about learning from each other, and standing together as a community," she says.
Festivities will get underway with at a pipe ceremony at 4 p.m. led by SJASD Knowledge Keeper North Star. Sturgeon Heights' Culinary Arts program students will prepare a delicious community feast, which begins at 4:30 p.m..
Once again this year, Grand Entry will take place at 5:15 p.m.. The procession will include honoured guests, Elders and Knowledge Keepers. It will also include traditional drumming and singing, followed by powwow dancers and SJASD grads.
Members of Senior Administration will address attendees, and students will be individually recognized.
The ceremony will be emceed by Coco Stevenson, who will educate audience members about various traditional dances, and direct them in powwow protocols.
“Our powwow also showcases Indigenous artists and vendors where community can shop at our Indigenous marketplace, as well as an art show featuring student work from across SJASD," explains April.
Powwow dancers and drummers should register by 4:45 p.m. on May 29 to receive an honorarium.
There is no cost to attend. All are welcome.
Questions? Please contact April Waters. Follow updates Instagram at @ziibi_odeweiigan and @st.james_assiniboiasd.
