Lethbridge College, in partnership with RBC Foundation, is hosting FNMI Days on campus Oct. 22 to 24. The event will be a chance to celebrate the pride, history and knowledge that are at the heart of Canada’s First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities.
“This event showcases the commitment of Lethbridge College to share the heritage and traditions of the FNMI people with our community,” says Intercultural Services Coordinator Shanda Venier. “And we’re incredibly pleased to have a number of our FNMI students taking an active role in the drumming and dancing activities taking place during the week.”
The college tipi will be raised at 9 a.m. on Tuesday to kick off the event, followed by opening ceremonies at 11:30 a.m. in the college’s Centre Core. Activities throughout the week include a traditional fashion show, First Nations drumming and dance, traditional games hosted by Be Fit for Life, Calgary Métis Cultural Dancers, as well as traditional meals during each noon hour. A detailed schedule of events is available online with a condensed version attached.
In collaboration with the FNMI Days, on Thursday the Metis Education Foundation will announce the recipients of six $3,500 awards to Lethbridge College students. These awards are the first from a $500,000 gift to Lethbridge College from the Métis Education Foundation announced May 15. An official presentation ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday in the Centre Core. The Métis Nation of Alberta President Audrey Poitras will be in attendance for the presentation.
Lethbridge College has had a long and vibrant history of encouraging and supporting First Nation, Métis and Inuit learners on campus and has seen FNMI student enrolment increase steadily over the last five years. The college currently has 360 FNMI students enrolled in its programs. The circle of services offered to assist the college’s FNMI students in their journey towards a post-secondary education include cultural support programs (Elders), FNMI academic advising, recruitment and personal counseling and a FNMI services and student lounge.