Lethbridge College, in partnership with RBC Foundation, is hosting FNMI Days Oct. 28 to 29 on campus. The event is a chance to celebrate the pride, history and knowledge at the heart of Canada’s First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) communities.
“Lethbridge College is situated on traditional Blackfoot territory and has a long and vibrant history of encouraging and supporting First Nation, Métis and Inuit learners on campus,” says Recruitment and FNMI Services Manager Shanda Webber. “FNMI Days is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this diverse culture and we’re thrilled to have a number of our FNMI students taking an active role in the activities happening this week.”
Opening ceremonies will happen at 11 a.m. on Wednesday in the college’s Centre Core and will include a special gift announcement from Fortis Alberta. Activities throughout the week include a traditional fashion show, First Nations drumming and dance, a hand drum contest, hoop dancers and performances by a Métis fiddler and jigger.
This year’s FNMI Days celebration will include a special evening event in addition to the daytime program. The college is thrilled to welcome Aboriginal writer Tomson Highway, who is considered one of Canada’s most important playwrights, to campus for a special talk that has been organized in collaboration with the School of Liberal Arts and instructor Christopher Grignard. The event will include a performance by award-winning musician Armond Duck Chief. (Business Administration - Management 2015) The event is free although guests are asked to contact Marcia Black Water to pre-register for the evening.
Highway will also be giving a writing workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday to 15 people at the college. For more information about this workshop, contact Christopher Grignard.
Lethbridge College has seen FNMI student enrolment increase steadily over the last five years, with the 2014-15 academic year coming to a close with 497 FNMI students enrolled in programs across campus. The college offers a wide circle of services to assist FNMI students in their journey toward a post-secondary education, including the Cultural Support Program (Elders program), FNMI academic advising and student advising, FNMI recruitment, assistance with FNMI funding, and a FNMI services and student lounge.