Indigenous
two Indigenous dancers, a man and a woman, dance on the coulees
Torry Eagle Speaker (left) and Punky Daniels (right) dance on the coulees at Lethbridge College.

Building on the excitement of Spring 2022 Convocation, Lethbridge College (Ohkotoki’aahkkoiyiiniimaanStone Pipe) is hosting Stone Pipe Celebration – a full contest powwow – on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29.

The two-day celebration will feature a variety of events, including intertribal contest singing and drumming, round dance singing, competition dancing and tiny tot dancing.

Contestant registration is free and will be done in person, starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 28.

“It’s a unique opportunity to celebrate all Lethbridge College Spring 2022 graduates, while at the same time, showcasing the wonderful Indigenous community we have here,” says Lowell Yellowhorn, Indigenous Services manager. “There’s no better way to recognize the achievements of our graduating students than to invite the entire community to celebrate with them.”

A special Indigenous Honour Ceremony, recognizing the college’s Indigenous graduates, will be part of the powwow. It will consist of an honouring from the college’s Grandparents (Kaahsinooniiks), congratulatory remarks from Lethbridge College representatives and an Honour Song and Dance.

Stone Pipe Celebration will be held 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, May 28 with Grand Entry at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium. Events continue Sunday from 12:45 to 7 p.m. with Grand Entry at 1 p.m. A full schedule of events is available here.

This spectator-friendly celebration is open to everyone, and admission is free. Ample parking and seating will be available, and there will be food on site throughout the weekend.

For more information on the powwow, contact Lethbridge College Indigenous Services.