The 30th Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow will take place on Saturday, May 4th, 2019 at the Investors Group Athletic Centre. Please join us in celebrating the achievements of the 2019 University of Manitoba's Indigenous graduates.

A Pow Wow is a celebration; it is a cultural event that brings people and nations together; it is an opportunity to hear traditional drum songs and see all different types of dancing. If you are adventurous, you might even want to join in for the community dances! The day-long celebration includes an opening Pipe Ceremony, presentations to the graduates, and a community feast in the afternoon. All activities are free and everyone is welcome!

*Craft Sale and Canteen are open all day.
*Only the first 10 drum groups to register (minimum five singers) will receive an honorarium.

Pow Wow 101 / Frequently Asked Questions

• Information for Canadian Indigenous Graduates (First Nation, Métis, Inuit)
• Information for VIP's and Honoured Guests
• Information for Other Graduates and Visitors
• Grand Entry
• Volunteer at the Graduation Pow Wow

Information for Canadian Indigenous Graduates (First Nations, Métis, Inuit)

All Indigenous graduates are encouraged to participate in the Pow Wow. To be eligible as a 2019 Indigenous graduate, you must be graduating or have already graduated in October 2018, February 2019, May 2019 or October 2019. You can register until Friday, April 26, 2019 at noon.                               

Graduates are encouraged to participate in the whole day, beginning with the Pipe Ceremony at 11:00 a.m.

For Grand Entry, please ensure that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to this and register your name at the appropriate desk.

The Migizii Award - Nominations Now Open

Students registering for Graduation Pow Wow are invited to nominate a U of M staff or faculty member (Indigenous or non-Indigenous) who has made a significant impact on your post-secondary journey. Nomination Deadline: April 22, 2019.

Nominate someone today!

Traditional Graduation Pow Wow Convocation Scarf

Scarves are presented to Indigenous students at the Annual Graduation Pow Wow. Students are encouraged to wear their scarves for the University of Manitoba Convocation ceremonies later in the spring or fall. More information about the scarf.

Information for VIP's and Honoured Guests

We thank you for your participation in this celebration. For Grand Entry, please ensure that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start time and register your name at the appropriate desk in the Investors Group Athletic Centre.

Information for Guests and Visitors

Thank you for coming to celebrate the success of the Canadian Indigenous graduates! You are invited to attend all parts of the day. (Please note that all visitors, community, and other UM graduates are asked to enter the IGAC gymnasium via the stairs/elevator to the third floor).

11:00 a.m. Sacred Pipe Ceremony – All attendees are asked to arrive prior to 11:00 a.m. so that you can be seated and ready for the start of the ceremony. All women are asked to wear long skirts to honour the teachings of this ceremony. This ceremony may last up to an hour.

After the Pipe Ceremony, guests will be asked to return to their seats in the visitor’s area as preparations will begin for the dancers and singers.

For the rest of the day, you are encouraged to watch the beautiful and different types of Pow Wow dances, visit the craft tables on the third floor, and attend the community feast during the Honouring of the Graduates a 3:00 p.m. This year the feast will be served in Investors Group Athletic Centre.

Please note that there are various times throughout the day when visitors are encouraged to come down to the Pow Wow floor. These may include: shaking hands with the graduates after they have received their certificates, Intertribal Dances, and Specials like the Potato Dance. The emcee will explain and announce all of these opportunities.

If you have any questions throughout the day, please look for volunteers wearing black t-shirts or staff/security helpers.

Grand Entry

A Grand Entry is a procession of community flags, Indigenous veterans, VIP's from both the campus and wider community who have contributed in some way to the success of the graduates, and of course, the graduates themselves.

For Grand Entry, you will be directed to your position by the Arena Director or by ISC staff. Tobacco will be presented to you in appreciation of your participation of the day's events. You will be acknowledged by the community for your support. After the Grand Entry, you may place the tobacco on a drum of your choice or you may place the tobacco in a bowl provided at the front of the stage.

Pow Wow Volunteers

Interested in volunteering at the Graduation Pow Wow?

Registration now closed. 

Information for Vendors

If you would like to be a craft vendor at the Pow Wow, we offer space on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. on the main floor of the Investors Group Athletic Centre (through main entrance). The cost to participate is $50.00 per table CASH ONLY.

*Please note that security is not available in the vendor area and we are not responsible for vendor belongings.