Round dance kicks off the school year

Page 10

Although the sky was overcast and the temperature was cool on Aug. 31, the huge white tent on the University of Alberta campus drew a fair size crowd at the third annual Ohpahowipism-Flying Moon round dance. A time to honor students, staff and scholars was the theme. More than 400 people came out to celebrate130 International students from Australia, Africa, South America, China, Japan and Korea and other parts of the world. The guests and people from the community danced to the music of the drum group the Logan Alexis Singers.

A few words from the faculty, as well as a feast and traditional give-away was also a part of the round dance.

"The round dances are always a fun event. It brings people together," said Frank Tough, director of the School of Native Studies. "This year (it) was nice to see to see the international students take part in the celebration," he said.

The University of Alberta is attended by more than 6,000 students. Last year more than 130 Aboriginal students graduated.

"The end of August is when the birds leave the nests and start to fly south to embark on a new journey, " said Lewis Cardinal, director of Native Student Services. "There is a parallel to the birds and the students because like the month's name the students are also embarking on a new journey. They are leaving communities, families and previous lifestyles to embark on an education journey," he said.

In the Cree calendar Ohpahowipisim is the month of August, which means Flying Moon.