TORONTO, February 26, 2013—The 11th annual celebrations of First Nations themed Knowledge in Sharing Stories is organized at York University by the Aboriginal Students Association and the Centre for Student Services, Feb. 28-March 2.

The three-day event, renamed this year Graduation Nation: Celebrating Indigeneity & Academia, will include traditional indigenous singing, dancing and dramatic performances; a conference reflecting the voices of indigenous students, faculty and supporters; and vendors displaying Native arts and crafts.

While performances by the Metis Fiddler Quartet and members of the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto are the highlights of the opening day, a traditional pow wow on the final day will conclude the celebrations with participants performing in various dance styles from men’s Grass and Fancy to women’s Fancy Shawl and Jingle Dress during a gala reception.

Featured performers include traditional Inuit throat singers Jennifer and Raigelee Alorut, multidisciplinary artist Cherly L’Hirondelle, dancers Steve Teekens and Stephanie Pangowish, and 2010 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards winning drummers Chippewa Travellers. Lee Maracle and Cherie Dimaline will be special speakers at the conference.

WHAT: Graduation Nation: Celebrating Indigeneity & Academia, a three-day event celebrating First Nations, organized by the Aboriginal Students Association and the Centre for Student Services

WHERE: York University, Keele Campus (view map for building locations)

WHEN:   Thursday, Feb. 28: Opening ceremony: 1:00pm-3:00pm, Bear Pit Central Square; Friday, March 1: Second Annual Knowledge in Sharing Stories Conference: 10:00am-5:00pm, Student Centre, room 430. Guest speakers are Lee Maracle and Cherie Dimaline; Saturday, March 2: Traditional pow wow: 12:00pm-5:00pm, Vari Hall; Community Feast, 5:30pm, The Underground Restaurant; Gala Reception: 7:00pm-10:00pm, The Underground Restaurant

York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York U’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York U is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York U’s 11 faculties and 28 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York U's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.

 

Media Contact: Gloria Suhasini, York University Media Relations, 416 736 2100 ext. 22094, suhasini@yorku.ca

Randy Pitawanakwat, Coordinator, Aboriginal Student Services, 416 736-2100 x22607 or 416-788-3401, rpitawan@yorku.ca