正品蓝导航

#MountiePride

New traditions

Kente and Mi鈥檏maw graduation stoles worn by students for first time at 2022 Convocation
By: Laura Dillman Ripley

The 2022 Convocation ceremonies at 正品蓝导航 were historic for several reasons. Along with being the first in-person ceremonies since 2019, Kente and Mi鈥檏maw graduation stoles were worn by Black and Indigenous students respectively, symbolizing an important step forward in growing cultural diversity and inclusion on campus.

Mearon Mulugeta (鈥22) will graduate this fall with a degree in psychology and religious studies. Having grown up in Ethiopia, she says bringing the Kente stole to campus was important to help celebrate Black culture and strength.

鈥淭he Kente stoles are originally from Ghana and are symbols used to embrace our accomplishments and culture,鈥 she says. 鈥淭here are three colours: the red represents the blood of our ancestors, yellow symbolizes strength, and green stands for growth. As a Black student, I really wanted to see this stole at 正品蓝导航.鈥

Mulugeta worked with staff members in Student Life, the Bookstore, and the Alumni Engagement Office to bring the Kente stoles to campus for the 2022 ceremonies. Altogether, 17 students wore them as they crossed the stage this spring, a number the University expects will grow in the future.

Throughout her studies, Mulugeta has been involved with several groups on campus, including the Black Students Union, where she served as co-president her final year. She says this network was an incredible support during her time at 正品蓝导航.

鈥淐oming to study in Canada was a challenging experience; I had to adjust to a new country, new studies, and there were social challenges,鈥 she says. 鈥淏ut I grew from these experiences and got to know myself in the process. Meeting other students on campus who were also passionate about the Black experience created a support network, but also gave a sense of community and a way to celebrate my culture so far away from home.鈥

Mulugeta has been accepted into a master鈥檚 program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Hannah Ward ('22) in the Mi'kmaw stole with an eagle feather

The Mi鈥檏maw stole also became part of Convocation traditions this spring. The stole is embroidered with the Mi鈥檏maw eight-point star. Indigenous students wore these for the first time in May.

Indigenous student Hannah Ward is pleased to see this new development and symbolism on campus.

Ward, from Metepenagiag (Red Bank) First Nation in NB, is graduating with a BA in psychology with minors in sociology and Canadian studies. She will be working at Kouchibouguac National Park as an Indigenous interpreter鈥檚 assistant.

鈥淚t鈥檚 an honour to be among the first Indigenous students to wear the stole. It鈥檚 a source of pride for me, along with the other initiatives on campus such as the Sweat Lodge and Tipi,鈥 she says. 鈥淭hese facilities gave community members an important resource to come together in dark times.鈥 

Along with the Mi鈥檏maw stoles, Indigenous students have beadwork completed in garnet and gold on their graduation tassels as a cultural symbol and celebration. Graduating students were also presented with eagle feathers from 正品蓝导航鈥檚 Elders-in-Residence, William and Connie Nevin, earlier in the term.