U of W honours Indigenous graduates with 1st powwow in 4 years

Indigenous graduates at the University of Winnipeg held their first celebratory powwow in four years at the Duckworth Centre on Saturday.

Families and friends of the graduates, representing a range of Indigenous cultures and communities, packed the Duckworth Centre with a mix of traditional clothing and dancing on display.

More than 50 graduates received their degrees, including Brandy Racette from Duck Lake, Sask.

She got her bachelor of education, something she once thought would never happen as a mom working full-time.

"I just never thought that that was in the cards for me," she said.

"My heart's beating so fast. I'm so excited and nervous … It means so much, especially to have my family here, to celebrate in this way. I'm going to be crying. I'm on the verge, I can feel it."

Racette stood alongside fellow education graduate Jorden Smith, from Roseau River, Man.

"I'm very nervous but I'm very excited and happy and overwhelmed," Smith said.

Smith hopes to get a permanent job teaching at Ginew School in Roseau River, where she currently works as part of her studies.

"[This ceremony] means a lot, actually. I've attended them in the past and it's been obviously a goal of mine to graduate," she said.

Braden Berens-Squires received his bachelor of education degree.

He grew up in Winnipeg's North End and says he wants to be an example to others.

"It means everything. Just to become a teacher because I want to inspire and educate the youth, show them that it's possible, and show them that I'm an example of where they can go," he said.

Brett Kapilik came to support his daughter, Naomi. His family is Métis, and his grandmother is Cree from the Tyndall area.