First Nations University Spring powwow draws in South Korean dignitaries

WATCH: As Sierra D’Souza Butts explains, the First Nations University Powwow draws people from across Canada – and the world.

The First Nations University of Canada Spring Powwow has drawn in visitors from across the globe.

“It’s really amazing. I can feel the power, energy and spirit and pride of First Nations people in Canada,” expressed Ban Neunggi, a professor at Hanyang University in South Korea.

On behalf of the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv), dignitaries from Hanyang University were invited to the University’s 2025 Spring Powwow in Regina – a traditional Indigenous dance and song celebration.

The opportunity came after an Indigenous communication arts student participated in a cultural exchange program back in 2024-25.

“I had the opportunity to travel to South Korea to go visit Hanyang University and collaborate on a project with them,” shared FNUniv student Tyrone Perreault.

“They happened to be in Vancouver around this time. We figured we might as well fly them to Regina so that they can experience the powwow. They brought me and shared their culture with me,” he added. “I just thought it would be awesome to do the same and share my culture with them.”

“I hope that they just get a good look into Indigenous culture and they get to experience what it’s truly all about which is community and traditions, and just being able to continue passing those down to new people and Indigenous peoples as well.”

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FNUniv’s president Jacqueline Ottmann said it is an honour to have people from across Canada, and now around the world, in attendance.

“We have an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with Hanyang and are collaborating on a project. It’s exciting that the two dignitaries have reciprocated and came to experience our powwow today,” Ottmann voiced.

“Powwows are for everybody. It’s for the whole community, all nations to come together to celebrate humanity and to celebrate life. It’s really wonderful to have them here.”

Ottmann added the event has grown over the years, strengthening First Nation communities across Canada.

“The powwow community travels far and wide to attend powwows. It is our privilege to host this particular powwow which has been happening for 46 years,” she shared.

Being introduced to the festivities for the first time, Neunggi said the experience was powerful.

“I can learn long history of Canadian people,” he shared. “It’s not history from about 150 years [ago], it’s thousands years of people who lived here and their spirits [which are] inherited now.”

He added that he hopes to share Indigenous peoples culture with people back home.

“Please many Koreans come to this powwow and feel the energy and spirit of real Canadian nations,” Ban said.

The powwow will continue on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with the Grand Entry at 12 p.m.