Inspiring generations at Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow

Jessica Tapatai

First Nations, Métis and Inuit graduates are honoured for their academic achievements at the 37th Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow on May 2, 2026.

This cherished celebration brings together culture and community, uplifting Indigenous student success at the University of Manitoba.

“For me, the pow wow is a great way for our community to honour the young people who are graduating. It is an opportunity for the Indigenous community to celebrate and lift all the graduates and let them know that we see them and are very proud of their accomplishment,” says Kookum Karen Courchene, Grandmother-in-Residence at Migizii Agamik—Bald Eagle Lodge (Indigenous Student Centre).

We know the challenges they have overcome to achieve their degrees and we honour that. I think the pow wow is especially meaningful because it is our community showing the graduates how proud we are of them.

Kookum Karen Courchene

This day reflects hundreds of individual paths, all leading to this moment.

And each graduate arrives with their own story.

For Josh Gandier, Savannah Moon and Madison Bonnefoy, perseverance, reconnection and community are at the heart of their accomplishments.

Josh Gandier

Josh, a member of Peguis First Nation on Treaty 1 Territory, is studying law at UM’s law school Robson Hall. As he graduates and steps into the legal profession, he is committed to building a career that supports and uplifts Indigenous communities while working toward greater representation in law.

Savannah Moon

Savannah is Cree and Red River Métis from original St. Peter’s/Peguis Treaty 1A Territory. Studying anthropology with a focus on Indigenous rematriation and repatriation, she is contributing to the return of ancestors and belongings to communities. Her work is grounded in respect for those who came before us and supports healing and meaningful change.

Madison Bonnefoy

Madison, Red River Métis and Cree from Opaskwayak First Nation, grew up in Thompson, Manitoba. Studying Women and Gender Studies and Indigenous Studies, she applies decolonial and feminist approaches to leadership. Passionate about uplifting Indigenous students, her work focuses on building community, creating pathways and giving back to remote northern communities.

Bold futures ahead

These journeys speak to the strength, determination and success of Indigenous students at the University of Manitoba.

Success in life is not measured by knowledge acquired, but more by what we do with that knowledge once we have it.

Elder Norman Meade

This year, more than 500 Indigenous students are graduating from faculties across both UM campuses, including Arts, Social Work, Education, Engineering, Science, the Asper School of Business, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources and the Max Rady College of Medicine.

With 3,292 Indigenous students enrolled in the 2025–26 academic year, this growing community is shaping the future and creating lasting impacts here in Manitoba and around the world.

Meet Indigenous graduates from previous years.

Join us to celebrate on May 2

This is a day where success is shared in community and celebrated together.

Graduates are met with the presence of family, friends, Indigenous faculty and supports, all coming together to celebrate in a good way.

For 2026, the event continues to expand, with new opportunities to share cultural traditions with the community.

“This year, we are integrating Inuit and Métis traditions as part of the program with the Qulliq lighting to start the day in ceremony followed by a Pipe Ceremony. For the community meal, this year we are doing that before the graduation ceremony for the first time, and it will be a kitchen party. A Kitchen Party is a Métis celebration with food and music that typically happens around the kitchen table in a home with friends and family.” says Carla Loewen, Director of the Indigenous Student Centre.

There are many ways to get involved in the Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow. Indigenous graduates, dancers, drum groups, volunteers and community members are invited to take part in the celebration. Everything you need to get involved and excited is available on the Graduation Pow Wow website.

Boilerplate: Convocation

UM Bisons are at the centre of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. Many of these new alumni will stay in Manitoba, supplying high-demand skills to the labour market and contributing to UM’s economic impact on our community.