The sound of the drums from the recent Educational Round Dance no longer echo in the gymnasium at Lac La Biche's Portage College campus, but the institution's coordinator of culture says the meaning of the annual ceremony continues to resonate.
Robert Rayko still hears the positive feedback, more than two months after the March 13 ceremony that drew more than 400 students from area schools, along with Portage College students, staff and Indigenous leaders from the region.
"I continue to hear people talk about our Educational Round Dance. I hear from young people, from members of local communities and the Elders," said Rayko, pleased with the event that has been hosted by the College for the last 22 years. "People really enjoy it and look forward to it."
The feedback and comments from this year's Round Dance are already part of the ongoing planning process for next year.
Like the dance itself, Rayko says planning the event cycles around the year.
"Like the drums of the Round Dance and the voices and energy of the people taking part, that pride resonates through the year, every year," Rayko said. "Portage College prides itself on its strong relationship to the heritage of the region, to the landscape of the region, and to the people of the region."
Blanket Recipients
The annual Round Dance not only recognizes the history of the region, the culture, and the College, it also recognizes the contributions of the people who continue to make a difference.
This year, there were two recipients at the Blanket Ceremony, a traditional practice where unique blankets are presented to people selected for their ongoing efforts at the College and in the community.
Dr. Donna Feledichuk, the vice-president of Academics and Research at Portage College, and Dr. Gail Hiar the College's faculty learning facilitator, received blankets this year.
Hiar was nominated for her dedication to student and faculty success. She was described by Portage College's Vice-President of People and Culture Carrie Froehler as a mentor who "brings out the best in others, encouraging them to see their strengths and potential."
Froehler presented Hiar with a blanket called Opal Springs. Froehler said the story behind the blanket depicts travelers who found a natural spring in central Oregon, on the Lower Crooked River within the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. She said the swirling, crisp water whirled over and around opal-blue coloured rocks, creating a picturesque, natural setting of constant movement.
"Each shape in this blanket represents a student who has been influenced by Gail and like the stones in the water, these students come together to create something beautiful and unique. Gail is like the water in that spring, helping to polish the students, guiding them to be their best selves helping them find their place n education and allowing them to shine in their own special way."
Feledichuk was honoured for her tireless efforts to promote the strong connections between Indigenous culture, the College and the region. Her work to create, promote and expand the Portage College Museum of Aboriginal Peoples' Art and Artifacts has helped to underscore the importance of those connections to the past, while forming pathways forward, said Portage College President Nancy Broadbent. Feledichuk's work in securing funding and interest for off-site learning and education programs like Pathways to Employment and the Community Adult Learning Program were also said to be instrumental in connecting rural community members to education and employment.
"Today we are very proud to be honouring Donna with a Seven-Generations Blanket, a fitting symbol of her commitment to thinking ahead and making decisions that will impact not just the present but also the future," Broadbent said. "You have touched so many lives through your work, your vision and your dedication."
Young students at this year's Educational Round Dance watched the blanket ceremony. They also watched a traditional Pipe Ceremony before joining hands and dancing to the songs of the traditional drummers.
Aurora Middle School Grade 8 student Ashley Farris was looking forward to the event. It was her second time taking part in the learning day, and she sees its significance.
"It's an opportunity to see other cultures and share in them, in a sense," said the teen. "You can get a new perspective on life and other things around you. Instead of having a more closed view of things, you can have a wider view, and you can understand things from other peoples' perspectives."
Farris said she will take what she has learned from the Educational Round Dance and tell others.
"I enjoy coming to these events and then spreading the word - because it gets more people knowing about other cultures," she said.
Sarah Burge, who facilitates Cree learning at Aurora Middle School couldn't agree more with the young student.
"These kinds of events are so important. It's how we can continue to cultivate empathy in our students and help them understand where we are all coming from," she said, adding that events like the Round Dance at Portage College, displays at local museums, workshops and community programs about Indigenous culture are all vital. "You can't replace that first-hand experience; you can read it in a book, but until you are here experiencing it, it takes it to the next level."
Those next levels, and helping more students understand the cultures around them, will continue next year, says Pipe Carrier Leo McGilvary.
Saying he was honoured to be part of the learning process for the students, McGilvary hoped to see students returning next year, and more new faces as well.
"In our culture, we don't say goodbye. It's like we'll never see each other again. We say, see you later - kîhtwâm is how we say it," he said, getting the students to repeat the Cree word. "We'll see you again, kîhtwâm."
Photo Album: To see images from this year's Educational Round Dance, go to the Portage College Flickr Gallery here.
