18th Annual Welcome Back Pow Wow celebrates start of new academic year

Today, students, staff, and faculty from both Nipissing University and Canadore College gathered to celebrate the 18th Annual Welcome Back Pow Wow held by the pond at the Education Centre. This beloved tradition connects the Canadore and Nipissing campuses while celebrating Indigenous culture and the beginning of Fall Term. 

“The Annual Pow Wow is an integral part of Nipissing University welcoming all new and returning Indigenous students, while inviting the campus and local community to participate in this cultural celebration on the beautiful, shared campus,” shared Emily Couchie, Indigenous Student Success and Development Coordinator, Office of Indigenous Initiatives, Nipissing University. “It is an honour that both campuses can come together every year to welcome new and returning students to campus.” 

Attendees enjoyed a variety of dances, songs, regalia, as well as a feast and giveaway under clear blue skies. 

Brooklyn Sawyer-Gingras, a fourth-year student in the Indigenous Studies program at Nipissing University and one of the head dancers, said participating in the event allows her to see her fellow students and gives her the opportunity to represent the Anishinaabe people from Nipissing First Nations at the University.  

“This powwow is important because we need the exposure and diversity,” she explained. “The powwow allows for people to come and see Indigenous people doing something they love. It also promotes the Indigenous outreach the University and College provides.”  

The Welcome Back Pow Wow is organized by Nipissing University’s Enji giigdoyang - Office of Indigenous Initiatives, Canadore College’s First Peoples’ Centre, and the Aboriginal Students Associations.  

Enji giigdoyang, Office of Indigenous Initiatives offers ongoing volunteer opportunities, experiential learning, cultural activities, academic workshops, financial support, tutoring, and peer mentorship for Indigenous students as they as navigate their post-secondary journey.  

To learn more about the Nipissing’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives, visit https://www.nipissingu.ca/departments/indigenous-initiatives. To learn more about events happening at Nipissing University throughout the year, visit https://www.nipissingu.ca/events.