Red River College’s School of Indigenous Education hosted the 12th Annual Graduation Pow Wow last week, honouring the achievements of our Aboriginal graduates and paying tribute to their personal triumphs.

Held Friday, May 4, at RRC’s Notre Dame Campus, the event celebrated the accomplishments of 93 Aboriginal graduates, and attracted more than 850 friends, family members and dignitaries to a day-long event that included a pipe ceremony, traditional dancing, and a feast.

Another highlight of the event was the presentation of the Jules Lavallee Award, named after a former RRC Elder-in-Residence. This year’s award went to Corey Bear, a student from RRC’s Biindigen College Studies program.

In addition to celebrating student success, RRC’s Pow Wow festivities reflect the College’s continued commitment to making education more accessible for Aboriginal learners, who currently comprise nearly 17% of the total student population. In recent years, the College has strengthened that commitment even further by bolstering cultural supports for students and staff, stepping up community service efforts through partnerships with youth organizations and inner city resources, and expanding trades training in remote communities via regional campuses and mobile training labs.

Click here for more information about Aboriginal Education at Red River College.