Portage College is inviting everyone to gather round their computers this Friday for a very special event. On March 12 starting at 1:00 p.m., the College will be running the first-ever Virtual Educational Round Dance, presented by Cenovus Energy.

“This Virtual Educational Round Dance is a great opportunity to educate the youth and our communities on Indigenous spiritual and cultural events,” said Robert Rayko, Cultural and Community Facilitator at Portage College. “The Round Dance has always been a part of the First Nations communities, and we would like to share it with everyone.”

The College has hosted the annual Round Dance for the past 16 years. Usually the event consists of 300 or more people gathering from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. for Cree drumming, singing, honouring individuals, a pipe ceremony, and two hot meals. This year, it will be held online and will be a lot shorter. Organizers expect the event to last about an hour and a half.

Schools throughout the region are also being invited to attend the event virtually. All classes that share their participation will be entered in a draw to win a pizza party.

“Though we cannot be together in person this year, we can still take this great opportunity to connect virtually and learn,” said Rayko. “It’s wonderful that Elders and drummers will be able to share the importance and significance of a Round Dance in First Nations culture with students and community members. Please join us this Friday!”

The direct link to the event can be found on this page: https://www.portagecollege.ca/RoundDance2021

Media Inquiries:
Jaime Davies, Corporate Communications Manager 
780-623-5581 or email