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Indigenous dancer

National Aboriginal Day celebrations

Traditional medicinal garden to be unveiled and blessed outside hospital

June 16, 2014 — 

The University of Manitoba will host National Aboriginal Day celebrations on June 20, from 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., with a Medicine Wheel Garden of Indigenous Learning Blessing, a feast, entertainment, artists and crafters.

The U of M is honoured to participate in this special day, celebrating the unique and diverse cultures of First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples.

All activities will be held on the university’s Bannatyne campus, where a tipi will be set up all day and Elders will be in attendance. A Traditional Blessing of the land will take place at 10:00 a.m. for a newly designated community space, The Medicine Wheel Garden of Indigenous Learning, a welcoming place for students, staff and community. Throughout the year, an Elder will host teaching circles on traditional medicines and knowledge in this space.

“These National Aboriginal Day celebrations are an opportunity for our university to come together with First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples to acknowledge the richness of Indigenous cultures and traditions. The University of Manitoba is committed to building a society where Indigenous peoples, cultures and traditions are reflected and embraced in schools, workplaces and all public institutions,” says David. T. Barnard, President and Vice-Chancellor.

“The Medicine Wheel Garden of Indigenous Learning will provide a space for people to meet, share and learn about the importance and value of traditional knowledges and medicines.”

More than 2,000 Indigenous students study at the U of M, one of the largest post-secondary populations in the country, and more than 230 Indigenous students graduate each year. On this special day we are also recognizing the success, contributions and outstanding achievements of the Indigenous community.

 

Schedule of the day’s events

 

Medicine Garden of Indigenous Learning Blessing Ceremony

  • 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.: Tipi Construction –  Green space outside Pedway
  • 8:45-9:45 a.m.: Pipe Ceremony (closed to media) – Outside Pedway in Tipi
  • 10:00-10:30 a.m.: Medicine Wheel Garden Blessing – Green space outside Pedway
  • 10:30-11:00 a.m.: Public View of Medicine Garden Plan/Space – Pedway/Brodie Atrium        

 

National Aboriginal Day Celebrations

  • 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.: Welcome – Dr. Catherine Cook, Associate Dean, First Nations, Métis & Inuit Health, College of Medicine – Brodie Atrium
  • Poetry reading and book signing with Katherena Vermette, Governor General’s Award Winner – Brodie Atrium
  • 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.: Children’s Story Time – Buhler Atrium
  • 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Feast – Brodie Atrium
  • Cultural Performers: Gaudry Boys, Young Nations Drum and Dance Group, Nikki Komaksiutiksak – Brodie Atrium
  • 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.: Elder Teaching – Buhler Atrium

All activities are free and everyone is welcome.

 

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