MRU Round Dance shines light on Women’s Day
The topic of women took centre stage as the Native Student Centre celebrated its 15th anniversary and International Women’s Day
Kyla Bodley
Staff Writer
On March 8, the Native Student Centre organized a Round Dance to celebrate their 15th anniversary at Mount Royal University. This year the annual celebration coincided with International Women’s Day.
Native Student Centre Coordinator, Cory Cardinal, says that the purpose of having a Round Dance is to celebrate another year on campus and to give thanks. This year’s celebration encompassed more than an anniversary because the Native Centre teamed up with the Students Association to make this Round Dance about the issues facing Aboriginal women as well.
Young and old gathered at the Round Dance. This in itself is important according to Cory Cardinal as it a chance for the young to learn from their elders. Photo: Kyla Bodley
In particular, the current issue of Loretta Saunders, an Inuk student from Halifax who was kidnapped and murdered in February, has sparked outrage in the Federal government.
The fact that the government thinks it is doing enough to help and protect Aboriginal/Indigenous women “is horrible” Cardinal states “and it just shows what the government thinks of our women, our relations. It was mentioned a few times at the event, I don’t think anyone wants to give up on that inquiry.”
People from all walks of life were on hand and were encouraged to get off their chairs and participate in the dancing.
Singers, young and old, gathered around the table set out in the middle of Wyckham House to sing traditional songs. Accompanying the sometimes haunting sound was the steady beat of the drum that each member held. The crescendo of voice and drum added a united pulsating sound that had a way of touching the very depths of one’s soul.
Darcy Lawhorn, an artist on hand selling his work, likens the dance to something spiritual. He says that the Round Dance is a special occasion that helps bring together the spirits but is also a great way to engage the public.
The next Round Dance at Mount Royal will take place in March 2015. In the interim check out events that the Native Student Centre are holding by dropping into their office in Wyckham House or by visiting them online.
