4th annual welcome back powwow goes Friday

Nipissing University
News Release

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The fourth annual Welcome Back Powwow, hosted by Nipissing University and Canadore College, will be held on Friday, September 18, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. beside the Education Centre Pond.

Everyone is welcome to attend and admission is free.

The one-day powwow is an opportunity to celebrate and share Aboriginal Culture, while honoring the diversity of all Nations represented at Canadore College and Nipissing University. There are more than 500 First Nation, Inuit and Métis students enrolled in courses at Canadore and Nipissing. Many travel long distances to attend school in North Bay, from as far west as Alberta to James Bay and Northern Québec.

The powwow provides a social background for students, faculty, leadership and the North Bay community to come together in celebration of higher learning in post-secondary education. Traditional drummers, singers and dancers in regalia , including students and faculty, will be participating.

“The welcome powwow is an excellent vehicle for our students to build networks and friendships that will help ease their transition to university,” said Laurie McLaren, Manager of Biidaaban Community Service-Learning and Aboriginal Services and Programs for Nipissing University. “It’s also a great way for the local community to share in a social activity rooted in First Nation tradition.”

“The Canadore College community has embraced this annual traditional event and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus with an event honouring all Nations. It also lets the students know right from their first weeks at Canadore how important and welcome they are to the College and the surrounding communities and First Nations,” said Laura Kerr, Vice-President Student Services & Human Resources. “We encourage everyone to embrace this day of celebration.”

The powwow is hosted by Canadore College’s Aboriginal Learning Unit and Nipissing University’s Aboriginal Services and Programs.

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