You’re Invited: CUE’s Annual Round Dance on Oct. 1st from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m
Posted on: Sep 20, 2022
You (and your family) are invited to CUE’s Annual Round Dance in partnership with Sawridge First Nation.
The campus is coming together in ceremony to pray for a safe and healthy academic year. We hope that you can make it!
Location: Ralph King Athletic Centre – Gymnasium
Time: Pipe Ceremony at 5 p.m., Round Dance to Follow (Approximately 6 p.m.) until 11 p.m.
Free parking, drugs and alcohol are NOT allowed on site, food concession and artisan crafts will be available for purchase (bring cash to buy).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Round Dance?
A: A round dance is a First Nations ceremony that brings all people together to dance, to sing, to heal, to feast, to acknowledge or honour members of our community, and to remember our relatives who have passed on. The round dance includes a pipe ceremony, a feast, a giveaway, and lots of prayers through song/dance/Elders. We all join hands and move in a clockwise direction to the beat of the drum. An MC will guide us through the ceremony.
Q: Who can participate in a Round Dance?
A: Everyone is invited to join. We encourage all CUE staff, faculty, and students to come and visit during the evening.
Q: Can my family members or children attend?
A: Yes! This is a family friendly ceremony.
Q: Do I have to dance?
A: No. You can come and watch and enjoy the company of our community coming together in this way.
Q: Do I have to wear a skirt?
A: Women are always encouraged to wear skirts to show respect for their connection to Mother Earth but it is not required.
Q: I can’t make it for the entire ceremony – can I still come?
A: Yes. You can pop in and out anytime (after the pipe ceremony) for food and dance. If you are coming to the pipe ceremony you will need to sit in circle for the duration of that ceremony.
Q: What is an artisan market?
A: Indigenous artisans have been invited to sell authentic Indigenous-made gifts and jewelry. Please take out cash in advance (there is limited cash on site) or prepare to e-transfer. Some vendors may have pay square (tap card).
Q: I want to attend the pipe ceremony, but I don’t know what I need to do…
A: Please email indigenous@concordia.ab.ca or visit the Indigenous Knowledge and Research Centre (AW124) for more information.
Q: Where do I park?
A: The CUE parking lot is free of charge for the evening of the round dance. Please keep the closer and handicap spots free for Elders or those with physical disabilities.
Other questions can be directed to indigenous@concordia.ab.ca