University hosts Powwow @ the Bowl

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Students and staff at the University of Saskatchewan had a chance to gather together and celebrate Aboriginal culture on Sept. 18, as the university's Aboriginal Students Centre (ASC) hosted another successful Powwow @ the Bowl.

This marked the thirteenth year the powwow has been held as a way to welcome new and returning students to the university. Not only does the event serve to educate non-Aboriginal participants about Aboriginal culture, it also provides a way to show Aboriginal students that there is a place for their culture within the university setting.

"The University of Saskatchewan has a very large Aboriginal population, about 10 per cent of the total, and it's very important to have a place where we can celebrate Aboriginal First Nations' culture and spirituality," said Kathleen Makela, manager of the ASC. "The message is that you don't have to put your cultural or spiritual side down to study your academics."

Many dignitaries attended, including Walter Linklater, an Elder for the ASC. "The University is very open to cultural traditions," he said. "That's a good sign because a lot of Native students now are coming to university and they need a lot of support. The powwow is great support for our students."

Anna Hunter, a U of S political studies professor originally from the Ktunaxa Nation in B.C., said the powwow is a demonstration of Aboriginal presence within the university. "When we talk about building relations, it's obvious that we can't build relations only over negotiation tables or over conflict. We need to share celebrations and this is a huge step forward in that," she said.

Joe Garcea, acting head of political studies, agreed. "One really is reminded that the Aboriginal people were here first," he said. "People have come to understand that the Aboriginal reality is going to be a significant part of Saskatchewan's future, as it has been in the past."

"We do live in a city where relations have to be strengthened," said Const. Craig Nyirfa, Aboriginal liaison officer with the Saskatoon police department. "There has to be a much broader understanding of First Nations and Metis people. The powwow helps that process. That's important to the future of this city and to our police service."

There were a number of new features added to this year's powwow, not the least of which was a change in how the event was funded, Makela said.

"It's the first year we have everything paid for by the university."

Also new this year was a dance special sponsored by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Commission and all the casinos.

"We have a men's and ladies speed competition with big prize money," Makela said.

"As well, Howler, the university student recruitment mascot, is out. We also have over 200 local school children here."

The powwow is a part of campus life, said Leslie Paul, secretary of the ASC, "Next year we hope it's even bigger and better. It's a tradition on campus now."

In addition to reaching out to current university students, the powwow is reaching out to future students as well, through its strong focus on getting elementary students involved.

"It's important for them coming into university, not only seeing the powwow but seeing the opportunity that's here," said Lori Delorme of the ASC. "Even though it's a young age, it's never too early to give them a career path."