Indigenous U of L graduands have option of wearing traditional regalia

Spring Convocation ceremonies held at the University of Lethbridge today and Friday will hand out degrees to over 1,300 graduates.

But there will be a slightly different look and feel to the ceremonies this year as indigenous students, for the first time, will have the option of wearing their traditional regalia to convocation in lieu of the black gown. As well, each of the students will also be presented with an indigenous stole that was designed and created by Charlene Bruised Head-Mountain Horse and her colleagues in the Iikaisskini Gathering Place.

“The Indigenous stole represents and reflects an inclusiveness to our Indigenous students on campus,” says Roy Pogorzelski, director of Iikaisskini Gathering Place, who describes the symbolic elements found on the ceremonial garment.

“The eagle feather represents our status and nonstatus First Nations students, the infinity sign represents our Métis students, the Inukshuk represents our Inuit students and the buffalo acknowledges the university is situated on Blackfoot territory. The stoles that are being gifted to our Indigenous graduates celebrate their success and accomplishments throughout their academic journey and the wearing of cultural regalia portrays an active commitment towards reconciliation by the university,” Pogorzelski added.

Students will still wear the U of L hood during proceedings, as the colour of each hood represents the faculty and degree they are receiving.

One further addition to this year’s program is the convocation ceremony will be signed for the deaf and hearing impaired.

“I feel a great sense of pride in making these changes to our ceremonies,” says Kathleen Massey, the U of L’s associate vice-president for students. “This is a very public event and an opportunity for the University to express its values. These are meaningful changes that embrace the diversity in our community and say that the U of L is always a home for them.”