For those who would like to celebrate and reflect their African or Indigenous heritage during your Convocation ceremonies, Acadia University is pleased to provide two potential options for your consideration: 

KENTE STOLES 

Acadia University is pleased to provide a Kente Stole for students of African descent who will graduate during the Spring 2024 convocation ceremonies. 

The Kente Stole is a garment worn at graduation to celebrate your accomplishments. For our students of African Descent, the Kente Stoles (pictured) are not only a symbol of excellence, but a mark of resilience and overcoming hardship throughout their university journey.  

If you would like to receive a stole, please email Dotun Olutoke, Coordinator African Descent Student Opportunity and Success, at dotun.olutoke@acadiau.ca.  

MEDICINE POUCHES 

Acadia University is pleased to provide an opportunity for Indigenous graduates to wear or carry medicine bags or pouches as part of their 2024 convocation. These medicine pouches are presented to students celebrating and honouring their Indigenous heritage. Usually worn around the neck, the pouches hold sacred medicines such as sweetgrass, cedar, tobacco, and sage that together provide protection and strength to those who carry them while serving as reminder to acknowledge the creator and everything living and non-living in this world.

The medicine bag is honoured by wearing it close to the body at all times and respecting the medicine bag by avoiding substance use when wearing it. Graduates can take the medicine bags on their journey after their time at Acadia. We are grateful to our Elder in Residence, Elder Dr. Joe Michael who created, smudged, and made the bags sacred in a traditional ceremony. 

If you would like to receive a pouch, please email Darlene Copeland, Indigenous Programming & Recruitment Advisor, at darlene.copeland@acadiau.ca. The pouches will be available at Welkaqnik (Indigenous Gathering Space - Rhodes Hall 101) on May 16 at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and on May 17 at 9:00 a.m.  

 

We congratulate all graduating students on this milestone, and we are looking forward to celebrating with you!