SaskTel is a long-time sponsor of First Nations University of Canada's Spring Celebration Powwow

The 40th edition of the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) Spring Celebration Powwow took place last month with a record number of registered and exhibition dancers participating over the 2-day event.

On April 21 and 22, the sounds of pounding drums and rousing choruses could be heard throughout Regina's Brandt Centre as thousands of people, and over 800 Indigenous dancers, came together to celebrate this year's milestone gathering. The event featured colourful and energetic dance and drum contests, traditional food, as well as two Grand Entries on each day that saw hundreds of dancers descend on the arena floor. 

SaskTel has sponsored the Spring Celebration Powwow for much of its history and this involvement stems from the company’s long-standing commitment to building stronger Saskatchewan communities. The powwow is one of the many great Saskatchewan cultural events that share in the nearly $3 million SaskTel provides to over 900 non-profit and charitable organizations, community associations, venues, events and partnerships in more than 200 communities across the province.

Recognized in many ways as the unofficial start of Saskatchewan's powwow season, the FNUniv Powwow attracts dancers and performers of all ages from across Canada and the United States. The powwow has always been open to all members of the public to attend. And, as the event has grown, so have organizers' commitment to continue building bridges of cultural understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the province.

Richard Missens, Chair of FNUniv Spring Powwow Committee, explained that although the event has evolved over the years, it continues be focused on fostering the original vision and intent of Indigenous students who founded the powwow back in 1978 when the university was still known as the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College.

"The event has always been about sharing culture and bringing all community members together," explained Richard. "When it was started by SIFC students all those years ago, it was a way to bring students in Regina together to celebrate the end of finals and another school year."

At this year's Grand Entry events, powwow alumni and FNUniv faculty were honoured together with Indigenous veterans and other VIPs as a way to acknowledge their contributions to the success of the powwow over the years. Jesse Kaiswatum, a member of the Piapot First Nation and this year's outgoing Miss FNUniv Princess, spoke about what the powwow has meant to her growing up:

"I grew up in this community," said Jesse. "Each year the celebration grows and it's incredible to see more people from different cultures come and experience this powwow as the years go."

Jesse Kaiswatum says she plans to continue dancing at powwows though she has passed on the crown. And, with a growing number of young people embracing their culture and the powwow's traditions, she looks forward to seeing other young dancers display their culture with pride.

This year, more than 7,500 people were estimated to have attended the event.

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