Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is excited to announce that the university will celebrate the first powwow convocation ceremony in Alberta as part of the Tsuut’ina Nation annual powwow on July 27, 2024.
AUArts will host a “Dance Special” on July 27, 2024, as part of the Tsuut’ina event to honour graduating Indigenous students. The powwow is a celebration and cultural event open to everyone that brings people together from communities across the province.
"Participating in the Tsuut’ina powwow celebration to recognize AUArts’ 2024 Indigenous graduates marks a powerful and healing moment within Treaty 7 that extends into the Blackfoot Confederacy.”
- Gitz Derange, Manager, Indigenous Initiatives, Alberta University of the Arts
“This collaboration with Tsuut’ina is one of many initiatives aimed at addressing painful historical legacies and honouring Indigenous Peoples. In our reconciliation journey, these next steps will hopefully ignite transformative change,” he adds.
“Canada did not make the Treaties; the Treaties made Canada. The Tsuut’ina Nation would like to take this opportunity to uplift our sacred treaties, rights, and obligations, including the Treaty Right to Education.”
- Steven Crowchild, Minor Chief – Tsuut’ina Nation
“We are excited to provide Alberta University of the Arts space to honour and recognize our next generation of Indigenous post-secondary graduates amongst the community during the 2024 Tsuut’ina Nation Annual Celebrations. Tsuut’ina Nation commends AUArts for taking concrete steps towards Truth and Reconciliation through this groundbreaking and exciting special!”
“Alberta University of the Arts’ Indigenous alumni are artists, craftspersons and designers who have contributed greatly to visual culture. We know this year’s Indigenous graduates will continue this tradition."
- Dr. Daniel Doz, President and CEO of Alberta University of the Arts
“We are honoured to participate in the 2024 Tsuut’ina Nation powwow, and we hope this will be the first of many celebrations of this kind in our community. We are working with other nations in Treaty 7 territory and also the Blackfoot Confederacy to host annual powwow convocation ceremonies,” he adds.