First Nations University honours Survivors with a Smudge Walk and Powwow

Prior to Orange Shirt Day the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) took time to reflect on the past by honouring Indian Residential School Survivors and remembering those who didn’t make it home.

The annual Smudge Walk and the Late Tony Cote Welcome Back Powwow took place on September 25.

“We want people to be aware – why we call them Survivors and why do we acknowledge the children that never made it home,” said Natalie Langan, Smudge Walk organizer and executive assistant of VP University Relations at FNUniv. “These events bring that important awareness to the community.”

More than 200 people participated the Smudge Walk, which made a loop around the FNUniv and neighbouring University of Regina (U of R) campuses. The first 200 participants received a free orange shirt.

“A smudge is a way of clearing your mind, it’s a way for your prayers to be surround in a good, clean space,” said Langan. “When we’re doing that around (the campuses) we’er bringing the community together in a good way and bridging our connections to one another.”

The event also included speakers FNUniv President Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, U of R President Dr. Jeff Keshen, Chief Michael Starr of Star Blanket Cree Nation, and FSIN 3^rd Vice Chief Fabian Head.

Langan said hosting cultural events at academic institutions carries a special significance.

“We know the shameful history Canada holds with Residential schools. As the First Nations University of Canada, we are saying ‘we are still here. We’re stronger than ever, we’re resilient, we’re thriving, we’re educated, and we’re going to celebrate that’.”

Following the Smudge Walk a free community lunch, put on by FNUniv, for participants and Elders in the community.

In the afternoon the annual Late Tony Cote Welcome Back Powwow took place on the front lawn of FNUniv. Cote was a well-known figure in Saskatchewan.

He not only worked at FNUniv for many years he was also an outspoken Indian Residential School Survivor, Korean War Veteran, First Nations leader and the founder of the First Nations Summer and Winter Games now known as the Tony Cote Summer and Winter Games.

“It gathers students and the community together and connects us,” said Nathaniel Merasty, organizer of the Powwow, and President of the FNUniv Regina Campus Student Association. “It connects Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people in one beautiful place.”

He estimated the powwow attracted more than 500 people, including more than 100 dancers and drummers.

The powwow is not only an important cultural celebration to start the academic year, said Merasty, but also an opportunity to expose non-Indigenous and exchange students to Indigenous culture, sometimes for the first time.

“This is one way we show our culture to other students, a lot of who are here on student visas and have no previous exposure to Indigenous culture,” said Merasty. “They our dance, they see our regalia, they see that we’re together in a circle – I think that’s very important in getting to know us and seeing that we’re welcoming and accepting of everyone.”