Mi’kmaq flag to be permanently installed on campus

SACKVILLE, NB — Mount Allison University will hold its first-ever Powwow on Thursday, March 22, 2018. The community event will take place in the University’s Athletic Centre (50 York St.).

The historic event will open at 12:30 p.m. with the permanent installation of the Mi’kmaq flag at Mount Allison in front of the University Chapel. University Elder-in-Residence Gilbert Sewell will offer a prayer at the event. A new flag pole has been installed with the help of funds raised by the Indigenous Student Support Group at Mount Allison.

Emma Hassencahl-Perley is Mount Allison’s Indigenous Affairs Coordinator and one of the organizers of the events.

“In Indigenous communities, Powwows are a way to bring the people together to celebrate the culture,” she says. “We are excited to share this experience and knowledge with the Mount Allison and wider community during both the flag raising and Powwow.”

University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Campbell says these events are highlights for the University’s Year of Indigenous Action on campus.

“We are delighted to see the Mi’kmaq flag permanently raised and hold the first Powwow on campus,” he says. “I would like to congratulate and thank our students, staff, and community members for their work on these two historic initiatives.”

First-year student Talon Simon from Elsipogtog First Nation is the Mount Allison Powwow’s main organizer. Simon helped to organize a Powwow in PEI last summer.

“It’s very exciting to organize one of the first Powwow’s of the season and the first one for Mount Allison,” he says. “We’re hoping lots of students and community members will come out to celebrate and learn more about Indigenous culture.”

The Powwow will begin with the Grand Entry at 1 p.m. in the Athletic Centre. Dancers, drummers, singers, as well as traditional arts and crafts vendors from across the Maritimes will be in attendance. Possesom Paul from St. Mary’s First Nation will serve as emcee with Amanda Reid and Dion Bernard as head dancers. The event will close at 4:30 p.m.

The Mount Allison University Powwow is an alcohol and drug free, family friendly event open and free to all people. For more event details and updates find them on Facebook: facebook.com/MTAPowwow/ or follow on Twitter: @mtapowwow