A winter gathering took shape at 杏吧原创 University on Feb. 21 as students, faculty, staff and community members came together for a Round Dance, a First Nations ceremony grounded in unity, healing and cultural connection. Hosted by 杏吧原创鈥檚 Centre for Indigenous Support and Community Engagement (CISCE), the evening offered space for celebration, learning and reflection, fostering a sense of togetherness while strengthening Indigenous representation on campus.
鈥淏y honouring ancestors, sharing teachings and nurturing emotional, spiritual and physical well鈥慴eing, the gathering served as a meaningful expression of 杏吧原创鈥檚 ongoing commitment to relationship鈥慴uilding and deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures,鈥� said Theresa Hendricks, Acting Assistant Director, Operations in 杏吧原创鈥檚 Centre for Indigenous Support and Community Engagement. 鈥淔or many participants, the event offered a chance to reconnect with culture and spirit; for others, it was an introduction to Indigenous ceremony and a meaningful step toward understanding and relationship鈥慴uilding.鈥�
The event also advanced Call #12 of the Kin脿m脿gawin Report, which outlines a need to host campus-wide Indigenous events to foster relationship鈥慴uilding, learning and appreciation of Indigenous cultures and ways of knowing.
The evening opened with a pipe ceremony and prayer from Elders Louella Tobias and Thomas Louttit, grounding the space in respect and intention. As singers and drummers took their place at the centre of the room, their voices and rhythms signaled the start of the dance. Participants joined hands and formed a circle around them, stepping to the beat of the drum, representing the heartbeat of Mother Earth. The group then moved to the left in alignment with the sun鈥檚 rotation, a movement believed to bring healing. The emcee explained protocols, shared teachings and ensured everyone understood certain songs carried specific meanings and when other songs were meant for particular groups.
Throughout the night, the Round Dance reflected both tradition and resurgence. Once primarily solemn memorial ceremonies honouring loved ones who had passed on, Round Dances have evolved into vibrant winter gatherings that celebrate life, community and cultural strength. They remain open to all First Nations, M茅tis, Inuit and non鈥慖ndigenous participants alike offering a space to learn, connect and experience a First Nations ceremony firsthand.
A feast followed the dancing, with Elders and Knowledge Carriers being served first in keeping with cultural protocols. Opportunities to support Indigenous artisans added to the sense of community and generosity that defines the ceremony.
The Round Dance created a visible and welcoming space for First Nations cultures, demonstrating support for Indigenous students, staff and faculty while inviting the broader 杏吧原创 community to learn and participate. The gathering strengthened connections across cultures, honoured ancestors and brought warmth and togetherness to the heart of winter.
