‘50 years of Indigenous education’: First Nations University celebrates spring powwow

Mick Favel brings you this week's edition of Indigenous Circle.

The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) held its annual spring powwow from April 18 to 19. The event also celebrated the university’s 50^th anniversary.

Claude Friday has participated in FNUniv’s spring powwow since it started. Although he has missed a few years in between, Friday said he enjoys attending the big event.

“It’s a beautiful event to help our university, help our people, our students,” he told CTV News. “Not only that, but to show Regina and the world that we’re part of this community.”

From Piapot First Nation, Friday said the powwow allows him to practice his culture, customs, and traditions.

“I continue to follow that way and teach my family, my friends, my relatives, and continue dancing,” he shared.

“For the betterment of our people and for everyone in the world.”

Friday is one of over 800 dancers and singers at this year’s event.

The spring powwow aims to bring Indigenous people from across Canada and the U.S. together while celebrating the start of the powwow season.

Nathaniel Merasty, president of FNUniv Student Association, said the 50^th anniversary of the university is a milestone worth commemorating.

“To me, it means 50 years of Indigenous education, 50 years of resilience, 50 years of strength, 50 years of healing,” said Merasty.

“I’m here for our current students, but I have to acknowledge the ones that came before me and the ones that will come after me.”

As the event continues to grow larger every year, Merasty said it serves as a space for people to come together.

“There’s many people here from across Turtle Island who have come here just for the powwow,” he added.

“This Spring Celebration Powwow is usually the first one that happens to start off powwow season for the year, especially in Saskatchewan. I’m very glad to see a lot of dancers and past students here.”

With this year being Merasty’s last year as a student, he hopes the tradition lives on for decades to come.

The ceremony holds a special meaning to them in a different light.

“It brings together community and I think that’s really special,” said Robin Cote, US Navy Veteran.

“My grandfather, Tony Cote, was a veteran and many veterans like him paved the way. I feel like it’s so important as a veteran myself, to continue that legacy and to come represent veterans,” she shared.

“To let our community know that we’re still here, that we’re still advocating and we’re still pushing for rights [for] our community.”

A few players from the Saskatchewan Roughriders also appeared at the event with the Grey Cup. Families were given the opportunity to take photos with them and the cup.