Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow

Event details

A pow wow is a celebration and cultural event that brings people and nations together. It is an opportunity to hear traditional drum songs and see different types of dancing. All activities are free and everyone is welcome.

graduates proudly standing with their stoles at pow wow

**Saturday, May 2, 2026**
Time	Activity
9:30 AM	Lighting of the Qulliq and Pipe Ceremony
12:00 PM	Grand Entry
Immediately following Grand Entry Until 1:45 PM	Intertribals & Potato Dance Special
1:45 PM	Community Lunch
2:15 PM	Kitchen Party
3:00 PM	Honouring the Graduates Ceremony
4:30 PM	Category Dancing + Payouts
6:00 PM	Closing Prayer and Retire Flags

Information for graduates

All Canadian Indigenous graduates (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) are encouraged to participate in the Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow so we can honour you for successfully completing your post-secondary program.

To be eligible for the annual pow wow, you must be graduating or have already graduated from the 2025-2026 academic year (Fall 2025, February 2026, June 2026).

Graduates are invited to participate in the whole day, beginning with the Lighting of the Qulliq and Pipe Ceremony.

Registration for the Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow will open March 16, 2026. The deadline to register is April 19, 2026 at 11:59 P.M.

For inclusion in the printed program, submit your name by April 19
Registration remains open until April 19 for ceremony participation
All registrants are welcome to celebrate with us, regardless of submission date

Students graduating with University of Manitoba degrees from all campuses are welcome (Fort Garry, William Norrie Centre, Bannatyne Campus, University College of the North, Université de Saint-Boniface), the Northern Social Work programs and select certificates from Extended Education.

Students graduating in Fall 2026 have the option to register for this year's graduation pow wow but are encouraged to participate in the May 2027 pow wow with their graduating class.

Accessibility for students

Please contact Gabrielle Desrochers at Gabrielle.Desrochers@umanitoba.ca by April 19, 2026 for assistance with seating, sign language interpretation or other accessibility support.

Information for guests and visitors

Thank you for celebrating with us! You are invited to attend all parts of the day.

Pipe Ceremony

A pipe ceremony is a sacred ceremony. The Elder or Knowledge Keeper conducting the ceremony will offer a blessing for attendees of the Graduation Pow Wow, the graduates, and those who will join us to dance and spend the day. We welcome all to join us for the pipe ceremony to open our day of celebrating and honouring the graduates.

Please ensure you're seated before the start of the ceremony. The ceremony may last up to an hour and skirts will be available for those who would like to borrow one to wear for the ceremony.

After the pipe ceremony, guests may return to their seats in the visitors' area as preparations begin for the dancers and singers.

Please note: All visitors, community members and other UM graduates are asked to enter the Investors Group Athletic Centre gymnasium via the stairs/elevator to the third floor.

Grand Entry, graduation ceremony, dancing and community meal

For the rest of the day, you are encouraged to stay and watch the many different types of beautiful pow wow dances, visit the craft tables on the third floor and attend the community meal following the honouring of the graduates. The meal 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 Intertribal Dances and Specials like the Hoop Dance. The emcee will explain and announce these opportunities.

Accessibility for guests

There are mobility-friendly seating areas on the main floor of the venue, however, wheelchairs are not available for use during the ceremony or reception.

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

VIPs and Honoured Guests: Grand Entry

Grand Entry is a procession of community flags, Indigenous veterans, VIPs from the campus and wider community who have contributed to the success of the graduates and, of course, the graduates themselves.

Please ensure 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.

You will be directed to your position by the Arena Director or by UM staff. *It is important for you to remain in this specific order before and during the Grand Entry.

Tobacco will be presented to you in appreciation of your participation of the day's events. You will be acknowledged by the emcee for your support.

After 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.

We thank you for being part of this celebration.

Dancer Registration and Drum Groups

Dancer Registration

All dancers need to register in person on the day of the Pow Wow (May 2, 2026). Registration will open once the Pipe ceremony is finished, and will close at 12 p.m.

Drum Groups

Drum group registration will take place the day of Pow Wow (May 2, 2026).
Drum Group Registration will open once the Pipe ceremony is finished, and will close at 12 p.m. Drum groups will not be able to set up once the Grand Entry has started.

Only the first 10 drum groups to register in person (with a minimum of 5 singers) will receive an honorarium. Additional drum groups are welcome to attend, and we will do our best to accommodate their set up, however, we will not be able to offer an honorarium beyond the first 10 registered groups.

Migizii Award nominations

Is there a staff or faculty member who was an exceptional help to you throughout your degree? The Migizii Award celebrates a university staff or faculty member (Indigenous or non-Indigenous) who went above and beyond for you or other Indigenous students during your post-secondary journey.

Indigenous graduates are invited to nominate a UM staff or faculty member (Indigenous or non-Indigenous) who has made a significant impact on their post-secondary journey. The award will be presented at the Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow.

Volunteering

All UM students, staff and community are invited to volunteer at the graduation pow wow. Volunteers play a crucial role in assisting the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) team to ensure a smooth and successful event.

Volunteer Training Sessions

It is mandatory for all volunteers to attend a training session to ensure everyone is prepared and comfortable in their roles. The session will review event logistics, cultural protocols, and expectations for supporting Elders and guests. Please indicate which session you will be attending.

Training Session Dates:

April 23, 1-2:30 p.m. In person at Migizii Agamik or Virtual
April 27 4:30-6 p.m. In person at Migizii Agamik or Virtual

Vendors

We offer space on a first-come, first-served basis for craft vendors at the pow wow. Registration for vendors will open at 8 a.m. on May 2nd in the lobby of IGAC and will be on a first-come first served. There are limited tables available.

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

Indigenous Graduation Stoles

A treasured symbol of pride and honour within the Indigenous community, representing the foundation of culture and the achievement and success of our students.

How to get your stoles

Stoles are presented at the Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow to Indigenous students who self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit. Students are encouraged to wear their stoles at their UM convocation.

If you are unable to attend the pow wow but would like a stole to wear for convocation, you can receive your stole in person at convocation from one of two locations:

- Max Bell Centre (Fort Garry campus) convocation floor – Indigenous Student Centre table

- Joe Doupe Recreation Centre at the Ongomiizwin Education Table located in the lower level of the Brodie Centre at 727 McDermot Avenue (Bannatyne campus)

If you receive a stole at pow wow but forget to bring it to convocation, you can borrow one by leaving a piece of government-issued ID or a $50 deposit at the Indigenous Student Centre table. Stoles must be returned immediately following your convocation ceremony.

Stoles are meant to be worn at the Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow and at convocation as a visual symbol of cultural acknowledgement. They will not be provided to students after convocation.

History and design

The original idea for the stole came from Indigenous alumnus Dene Beaudry [BA/14]. Following consultation with UM Indigenous staff, students and faculty, the stole was born.

Launched for the 25th anniversary it has since then been recognized as part of official convocation dress and re-designed by Destiny Seymour [BA/00; MID/13] for 2024.

The design was created based on specific colours and symbols meaningful to both Indigenous people in general and to Indigenous students at UM. The stole's main colour is purple, which represents balance. In traditional teachings, women are represented by blue (the colour of water) and men are represented by red (the colour of fire). By combining the two, we find a balance. The yellow, red, white and blue ribbons represent the official colours of Migizii Agamik—Bald Eagle Lodge, as determined through a traditional naming ceremony led by Elder Charlie Nelson.

Pow Wow FAQ

Where do I park?

The parking lots closest to Investors Group Athletic Centre (IGAC) is I Lot and Q Lot. Parking is free in designated areas (except for reserved spots). There is limited reserved parking in P Lot for anyone with accessibility needs.

What should I wear?

There is no dress code for audience members; however, please dress modestly. For example, don’t wear a bathing suit or a t-shirt with curse words on it. Comfortable footwear is recommended. If you are wearing a hat, please remove it during the Grand Entry, Invocation, Honour, Memorial, Flag, Veterans, and Closing Songs.

This is my first Pow Wow. Do I have to sign up?

Welcome to your first Pow Wow! No sign-up or registration is required – you can just come.

Who are the key people at a Pow Wow?

The Arena Director is responsible for coordinating the dancers, drum groups and special guests who take part in special events and ceremonies at the Pow Wow.

The Master of Ceremony (or Emcee) is responsible for announcing the events and guiding the Pow Wow. He/she keeps the order of the drum groups, explains the dances and protocols, tells jokes and announces events.

And of course, the Graduation Pow Wow exists to honour the Indigenous graduates. Please help us congratulate them on their successes and wish them well.

We have many volunteers who can help answer questions. Look for the black t-shirts that say “Volunteer.”

What are the different kinds of dances?

At Graduation Pow Wow you will see Fancy Feather and Shawl, Traditional Cloth and Buckskin, Jingle Dress and Grass dancing.

Later in the day everyone will be invited to find a partner and join in the fun of the potato dance!

Can anybody participate in the dancing?

If someone asks you to dance, you may do so. The Master of Ceremony will invite the audience to the dance area during Intertribal songs, Honour songs and Métis specials.

The regalia are beautiful - am I allowed to touch them?

No, please don’t touch anyone’s regalia, or their hair/braids. These are all sacred and personal.

Am I allowed to come for just part of the day?

Yes! You are welcome to come and go at any time during the day. Please check the schedule to be sure you are present for any specific events that are important to you.

How do I get to the community meal?

The community meal is taking place inside Investors Group Athletic Centre on the floor behind the stage. Please allow for Elders to be served first.

Can I take pictures?

Yes. However, do not take pictures during prayers or when the Master of Ceremonies has said not to. If you are taking pictures of dancers in regalia, it is always good to ask first.

Are there any other rules I should be aware of?

No drinking or drug use is allowed at Pow Wow. Please remember that the dance area is sacred, so refrain from swearing and other negative behaviour.

Selling crafts in the stands is prohibited at the Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow.

The chairs on the main floor are reserved for singers and dancers.

Please help us keep the ceremony building clean. Put all garbage and recycling in the appropriate bins.

Are there other Graduation Pow Wows taking place?

Yes, UM's Graduation Pow Wow is one of three Graduation Pow Wows held in the same weekend! Guests are invited to join Red River College Polytech on May 2 and the University of Winnipeg on May 4.