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U of W President to Be Honoured at Pipe Ceremony

October 15, 2012 8:00 AM | News


Lloyd Axworthy (CHRISD.CA FILE)

University of Winnipeg president Lloyd Axworthy will be honoured at a pipe ceremony this evening.

Anishinaabe elder Fred Kelly and Wabanakwut Kinew will honour Axworthy for his respectful partnerships with aboriginal peoples, and creating an inclusive learning experience that reflects Indigenous cultures and traditions at UWinnipeg.

At a traditional pipe ceremony, the pipe holder asks the spirits to come and join in the smoking of the pipe. Participants sit in a circle with the pipe carrier. The helper places the sacred tobacco into the pipe and lights it in front of the pipe carrier. The pipe carrier, who is the host of the ceremony, will be praying to six directions: east, south, west, north, the earth (Mother earth) and the sky (spirit world).

The ceremony will take place from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the second floor of Convocation Hall in Wesley Hall at 515 Portage Avenue.