Lethbridge College’s annual FNMI Days, presented in partnership with RBC Foundation, takes place from Tuesday through Thursday on campus. The college is located on traditional Blackfoot territory, and each event is designed to celebrate the history, culture and pride felt by Canada’s First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) communities.
"FNMI Days gives us the opportunity each year to welcome the community and to showcase the talent of our First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures,” says Marcia Black Water, FNMI student advisor and coordinator, FNMI services. “The event is a celebration of the social part of FNMI culture, with activities that everyone can partake in. As our college leadership is strongly moving towards a greater understanding of Niitsitapi ways of knowing, we are excited this year to host a viewing of Elder in the Making and welcome the film's director, Chris Hsiung."
FNMI Days start with opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. on Tuesday in the college’s Centre Core. The three-day schedule of events will provide a line-up of both traditional and contemporary entertainment, including powwow drumming, Métis fiddling and jigging, a hand drum contest and a taste of culture as well as arts, crafts and community exhibits.
As part of the college’s 60th anniversary celebrations, Lethbridge College will receive its very own Honour Song from Julius and Troy Delaney from the Blood Tribe, which will be unveiled at Convocation in April. To begin the process of having that song written, the writers, will receive special gifts from the college during a ceremony at 11 a.m. on Thursday in Centre Core.
The FNMI Days celebration will close with a special evening event on Thursday, which includes a screening of the critically acclaimed documentary, Elder in the Making. Filmed in southern Alberta, the film has been screened at the Calgary International Film Festival and the American Indian Film Festival, and is described as a spiritual journey across traditional Blackfoot territory. The film’s director, Chris Hsiung, will be on-hand for a Q&A and panel discussion about the themes presented in the film. The night will be capped with a performance by Juno-nominated musician Armond Duck Chief (Business Administration - Management 2015). The event is free although guests are asked to contact Marcia Black Water to pre-register.
Currently, nearly 350 FNMI students are enrolled at Lethbridge College. The college offers a wide circle of services to assist FNMI students in their journey toward a post-secondary education, including the Cultural Support Program (Elders program), FNMI academic advising and student advising, FNMI recruitment, assistance with FNMI funding, and a FNMI services and student lounge.
A detailed schedule of the FNMI Days is available online.