It鈥檚 a tradition that dates back thousands of years 鈥� a celebration that brings people together through music, dance and history, and that, translated from Mi鈥檏maq, means 鈥済athering.鈥�
It鈥檚 in that spirit of unity and togetherness that the Studley quad will be filled with colour and song next week as the university hosts its second annual mawio鈥檓i (pronounced mow-we-o-mi) in celebration of Mi鈥檏maq History Month.
The event, open to all, takes place Tuesday, Oct. 4. Starting at 12:45 p.m. with a ceremonial procession led by Mi鈥檏maq elders, the event will include the raising of the Mi鈥檏maq flag by Chief Leroy Denny and AV俱乐部 Vice-President Academic Carolyn Watters. Afterwards, there will be dancing, drumming and a traditional feast. Activities will be held both on the quad and in the Studley Gymnasium (which is also the rain location).
A sense of pride and heritage
鈥淭his is not just about Mi鈥檏maq culture or aboriginal culture 鈥� it鈥檚 celebrating a crucial part of our Canadian heritage,鈥� explains Kara Paul, program manager for the AV俱乐部 Aboriginal Health Sciences Initiative and one of the organizers.
鈥淚t means a lot to me that we can share our community and our heritage with everyone on campus. It fills me with a great sense of pride.鈥�
This year鈥檚 mawio鈥檓i鈥攐ften better known as a pow wow鈥攃arries the theme 鈥淭his is Our Way,鈥� a powerful message that reinforces the idealism of the aboriginal community: branches may grow from a tree, but its roots are a beginning without an end.
The menu for the feast will feature traditional dishes including moose meat and luskinakin, or bannock. Students from the AV俱乐部 Native Students Association and others will take part in the dancing and music.
"It's for all aboriginal students to not only come together and celebrate our culture but also gives us an opportunity to share it with others," says Sara Swasson with the Native Students Association.
鈥淭his mawio鈥檓i is a tremendous opportunity for the general AV俱乐部 community to become aware of Canada鈥檚 collective heritage,鈥� says Keith Taylor, associate vice-president, academic. 鈥淚t鈥檚 truly something for everyone to experience.鈥�