The grounds behind the Rotary Arena were packed over the lunch hour for this year's Graduation Powwow!
Carole Shankaruk, Indigenous Education Coordinator for the MVSD estimates 2000 plus people attended, including many pillars of the Community.
"The big thing this year is we had all our chiefs here, and that is historical. We had the Grand Chief, we had the Assembly of Manitoba Chief, we've never seen that at our powwows before, we had the opportunity for all of them to speak.
Shankaruk sends her thanks out to one Chief in particular who offered a rallying call for this event.
"Cheif Derek Nepinak sent a message to communities that 'we're coming here today with goodwill and in a good way' and that's what we're seeing here today"
The massive event had all the Chiefs in attendance acknowledging the students, and the elders that came out to support them.
As well, a ceremony was held for Elder Bev Harvey, who was tragically lost last year.
The noon hour did bring some rain with it, but the party moved indoors at the Rotary Arena and continued with an afternoon of music and dancing
Events like these act as a symbol of what communities can do when they come together in support.
With how much bigger this year was than last, next year is expecting an even bigger celebration!
