EducationMatters is excited to announce Suncor’s generous sponsorship of the Calgary Board of Education’s Pow Wow on May 17, 2018 at Crescent Heights High School.

The gathering is an opportunity to celebrate the successes and achievements of the Calgary Board of Education’s Indigenous students, as well to honor Indigenous cultures in Calgary and the surrounding communities.

The Pow Wow is a community event, with everyone invited to attend. It will join community Elders, students, educators, families, and friends in a celebration of culture, spiritual growth, and learning.

Master of Ceremonies Hal Eagletail will emcee the festivities, which will allow dancers and drum groups from Southern Alberta and beyond, to share their stories through movement and song.

Local Elders and the Calgary Board of Education Learning Leaders are creating important educational opportunities alongside the celebration. Leading up to the gathering, students in grades six through nine will participate in workshops to learn more about cultural traditions and the significance of the Pow Wow celebration.

Hosted at Niitsitapi Learning Centre, last year’s Pow Wow Workshop had over 250 attendees, including students from 13 schools across the Calgary Board of Education. This year, as part of Suncor’s generous support, the Pow Wow workshops have been expanded from a single day of learning to three days, allowing hundreds more to take part.

“This gathering is an important opportunity for all participants to honour Indigenous cultures,” said Lori Hewson, director community investment, Suncor. “We are delighted to be part of this significant event as it directly aligns with our own social goal of building greater mutual trust and respect with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.”

Last year’s event saw over 1,300 Elders, community members, students, families, and friends join. This is the 4^th CBE Pow Wow. The event is expected to grow each year, with 1,500 guests anticipated to attend in May.

The celebration will begin with the Grand Entry at 6 p.m.

The CBE, Suncor and EducationMatters look forward to celebrating this important cultural event.