Indigenous Honouring Ceremonies

2025 Event Details | Past Celebrations | Questions

Oki, Aba wethtech, Danit'ada, Tanisi and Congratulations!

Although the signing of Treaty 7 occurred on September 22, 1877, our ancestors were connected by treaty generations before. In 1910, Mount Royal College, as it was known then, was granted a charter to begin operating as a post-secondary institution. Now, as a degree-granting institution, we graduate more than a hundred First Nation, Métis, Inuit and Non-status Indigenous students yearly.

Imagine our ancestors from that time seeing you today as graduates that have learned to walk in both the Western and Indigenous worlds — this was their hope and dreams for the seventh generation.

Every year, we want to acknowledge this momentous occasion — recognize your hard work; celebrate with you, your family and the community; and continually raise awareness of Indigenous peoples, cultures and student support throughout MRU and the greater community.

Indigenous Honouring Ceremonies

June 10, 2025 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Bella Concert Hall

The Iniskim Centre and Mount Royal University invite you to the annual Indigenous Honouring Ceremonies to celebrate the achievements of graduating Indigenous students and honour them on the completion of their degree, diploma or certificate program.

Elders, Mount Royal senior leadership and Iniskim Centre staff will offer celebratory messages throughout the event which will also include traditional songs and a blanket ceremony accompanied by the gifting of eagle feathers and Métis sashes in honour of educational achievements. Beyond celebration, this event seeks to send all the graduating students on the pathway to a good life.

The community is invited to celebrate, share stories and get to know the students along with all those who have supported them through their journey — from grandparents to professors and MRU staff members.

Indigenous graduates are encouraged to wear traditional regalia to the ceremony in place or in addition to the cap and gown.

Register (by May 30):

Note: To be eligible for recognition in this year's Indigenous Honouring Ceremonies, you must have met the graduation requirements for your program as of the end of spring '24, fall '24 or winter '25. Iniskim Staff will be reviewing everyone who registers to confirm that the graduation requirements have been met on time. If not, you will be notified and welcomed to next year's ceremonies so long as you have met the requirements by the end of winter '26.

Photo Opportunities

Lifetouch will be set up at the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, June 10 from 12 to 3 p.m. Photos will be taken in order of appearance. No registration is required, and Indigenous grads will not incur the sitting fee through a Lifetouch sponsorship. Packages will be available to order approximately three weeks after the event at the grad’s expense. A proof package along with a free crossing the stage photograph will be mailed to each grad. Please make sure you confirm your address when you check-in at the welcome table.

For the Indigenous graduate portrait sessions, graduates are welcome to wear traditional and formal regalia, and family members are encouraged to join the photo session.