Native Centre hosts banquet and powwow to recognize Aboriginal grads

The University of Calgary celebrated the achievements of 117 self-identified Aboriginal graduates during the Native Centre’s 23rd annual Aboriginal Graduation Banquet and Powwow on June 7, 2014. 

This year’s theme, Planting Seeds for our Future -- referring to the cycle of life, rejuvenation, and giving back to community -- was reflected in the décor, which featured lodgepole pine seedlings in decorated burlap vases. The lodgepole pine holds cultural significance for many First Nations and Métis people and is also the official tree of Alberta.

Student awards and a Métis sash presentation

Lincoln Nanaquawetung was presented with the Dr. Olive Dickason Award, given to students who succeed in the face of extreme adversity and life challenges. This award is sponsored by ConocoPhillips Canada. Nanaquawetung graduated from the Faculty of Social Work and continues serving the community as an inspirational speaker for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

Kimberly Van Patten was recognized for her academic achievement, volunteerism, and community work through the RBC Foundation’s Royal Eagle Award. As a senior ambassador for the Native Ambassador Post-Secondary Initiative program, Kim has facilitated over 150 leadership sessions for Aboriginal youth throughout Alberta and British Columbia.

The Métis community honoured eleven graduates with sashes at this year’s event. Marlene Lanz (Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III) and Jessica Fortier (Rupertsland Institute) presented the graduates with their sashes. Breann Denby, an 11-year-old who plays the Métis fiddle provided the musical accompaniment together with her father Ralph Denby on guitar.

Community Awards

Colby Delorme, president of Nation Imagination received the Dr. Douglas Cardinal Award for outstanding professional achievement and Aboriginal youth mentorship.

James Field from the Werklund School of Education was presented with the Rev. Dr. Chief John Snow Sr. Award for advocacy, teaching, and mentorship of Aboriginal students.

Alumnus Jeff Horvath received the Dr. Joseph Crowshoe Award. Jeff works as an educator for the Canmore Collegiate High School and was recognized for his professional accomplishments in education over the past 15 years and for his efforts to enhance the lives of Aboriginal students in the K – 12 school system.

Lanny Fritz, director of Campus Security, was presented with the Honourable Dr. Ralph Steinhauer Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Native Centre and the campus community. Fritz, a former member of the Calgary Police Service, has been head of Campus Security for the past 16 years. Retiring this June, he has worked towards an inclusive campus that supports the spirit of multiculturalism. His career accomplishments were recognized during the Circle of Honour, where he was awarded with an eagle feather and a Pendleton blanket.

Graduation powwow and Circle of Honour

A traditional powwow concluded the evening. Hal Eagle Tail from Tsuu T’ina First Nations was the emcee for this portion of the evening. During the powwow graduates participated in a special gifting ceremony and received an eagle feather presented by spiritual leaders: Wilton Goodstriker, Dr. Reg Crowshoe, and Casey Eagle Speaker. University of Calgary faculty representatives presented Pendleton blankets to Aboriginal graduates. This led into the Circle of Honour facilitated by Provost Dru Marshall. During the powwow, 88 adults, 58 youth, 20 tiny tot dancers, and 4 drum groups performed, representing the nations within Treaty 7. The evening featured the host drum Eya-Hey Nakoda from Stoney Nakoda.

This event would not be possible without the support of sponsors and volunteers.

Gold sponsors: Cenovus Energy Inc., ConocoPhillips Canada, Nexen Canada, Suncor Energy Foundation, and TD Financial Group.

Silver sponsors: Canadian Pacific, Encana, and Pembina Pipeline Corporation

Bronze sponsors: Access Pipeline Inc., ATCO Group, Big Eagle Services, Devon Energy, Shell, Enbridge Inc., Husky Energy Inc., and RBC Foundation