Colour and ceremony at the Dal Mawio'mi

It began with a traditional feast and continued with song, dance and celebration.

The pounding of drums could be heard all across Studley campus on Tuesday as Dal's third annual Mawio'mi (or Pow Wow) took place in the quad.

After lunch was served around noon time, the music and dancing began: led in by the sounds of host drum group Kijou Boys, the dancers and ceremonial party entered the quad, led by head dancers Jennifer MacDonald and Bert Milberg.

Marking the occasion, Chief Gerard Julien, co-chair of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs, explained that the Mawio'mi is a celebration of culture that goes far beyond just dance and song.

"It goes much deeper than what the eye can see. Why we dance has a story," he said, adding that the Mawio'mi represents a crucial ceremony in passing down teachings and lessons between generations. "It is a time to learn and share."

Carolyn Watters, Dalhousie vice-president academic and provost, noted the Mawio'mi as "a centuries-long tradition of community." She added that while Dalhousie has not been around nearly that long, it too strives to build communities between all the communities it welcomes.

"Dalhousie treasures the diversity in our community," she said.

After the raising of the Mikm'aq flag, the drum music and dancing returned. Kijou Boys, along with fellow drum groups Eastern Eagle and Moose Crossing, kept the rhythm going all afternoon long.