Grand Entry greets returning Mount Royal students

Extended: MRU Grand Entry Celebration Indigenous drummers, singers and dancers led a procession of students through Mount Royal University’s campus on Tuesday.

A cultural celebration was held at Mount Royal University on Tuesday to welcome new students and recognize the school’s commitment to indigenous education.

The university hosted a Grand Entry and almost 2000 student were led into the school by a procession of indigenous drummers, singers and dancers.

Hundreds of staff and faculty lined the halls banging thunder sticks to kick off MRU’s New Student Orientation.

“It’s a way to honour our new students who are embarking on an educational journey,” said Steve Kootenay-Jobin, Indigenous Housing Coordinator, Mount Royal University. “Grand Entries mark the symbolism of a new beginning.”

The event included a singing of ‘O Canada’ in Cree and Kootenay-Jobin says MRU is making great strides to break down barriers and support indigenous education.

“To have our students represented and to also feel included, both indigenous and non-indigenous, allows for those relationships to continue to grow because we’re here to create leaders and through education and through events like this we’re giving them the best opportunity and knowledge,” he said.

The celebration was a way for the school to recognize indigenous lands and communities in southern Alberta and to empower students to take responsibility for their own education.