Local alumni celebrated at post-secondary powwows in Winnipeg

Taylor Galvin has had to overcome many obstacles during her six years studying environmental studies at the University of Manitoba, but she celebrated part of the journey with more than 150 local alumni on Saturday.

“I'm over the moon. I've been a student for a long time and it's really exciting to be a part of graduation today,” Galvin told CBC News.

The Anishinabekwe graduate of Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation is among 478 Indigenous students graduating from U of M programs this season. The university celebrated those graduates Saturday at its 35th annual graduation ceremony.

“This is a great way for all of us to come together to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of our Indigenous students and leaders,” Galvin said, emphasizing the place where the soon-to-be master's degree in environmental geography will be championed by Indigenous people. Manitoba.

“We come from different backgrounds… I overcame drug addiction, I was in treatment throughout my time at university.”

The day-long event brought together more than 150 local students and their friends and families, as well as local veterans and elders, for a pipe ceremony, traditional dancing and drumming and a community celebration, said Carla Lowen, director of the U. M. Local Student Center.

Deborah Hutton, from Mohawk and Tiendinaga, Ont.

The 65-year-old PhD graduate wore the colors of her community in a purple handmade dress with white ribbons.

“My official graduation…is in October 2023, but it's more than just being able to actually do it. It gives me an opportunity to show that I'm Indigenous,” said Hatton, who has a PhD in behavioral science. psychology and disability studies.

Saturday's celebration was surreal for Ryan Ketchum, who hails from Ontario's Waujushk Onigum Nation and earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

“I feel … imposter syndrome, but I'm here and I'm with these people and it feels great,” he said.

Ketchum started his degree in 2016, but took a few years off school during the pandemic.

He said it was encouraging to see so many local students graduate with him.

“Knowing that while I'm out here inspires me and maybe somebody looks at me and says, 'Hey, I can do that too,'” Ketchum said.

The University of Winnipeg has also honored its Indigenous alumni. On Sunday, it hosted its 19th annual prom — complete with special dances for Red Dress Day, which is celebrated nationally on May 5.

“It's a really exciting day,” said Angeline Nelson, who works at the university. He said more than 50 local students will graduate from U of W programs this season.

The university invited traditional dancers to dress in red and perform in whatever style they wanted for the event, Nelson added. This includes Harmony Williams, who recently learned to dance the fancy scarf to reconnect with her culture.

Williams wore a red skirt she made with her foster mother. His biological mother, Jana Williams, was murdered in 2021.

“I just like to carry on his tradition of seeing me do good and making sure he doesn't go the wrong way,” Williams told CBC News on Sunday.

“To be here today … I feel it.”

Williams plans to attend Red River College Polytechnic, which held its 24th annual prom Friday, to study child care next year. He said it's encouraging to see local graduates “break the cycle.”

“A lot of people can't afford to graduate,” he said.