Cultures of MRU is a month-long program that showcases, highlights, and provides education on the many cultures within the MRU Campus Community. This month also connects BIPOC students with support and resources to help them succeed in their post-secondary journey at Mount Royal University.

Check out the events below to see how you can get involved in Cultures of MRU!

Annual Pow Wow

Date: Saturday, November 5th
Time: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Location: Wyckham House

This is the 26th year of the Annual Pow Wow, which is done in partnership with Mount Royal University’s Iniskim Centre. There will be competitive dance categories, dinner, a children’s area, vendors, and a giveaway. Everyone is welcome!

Blackfoot Lunch & Learn

Date: Wednesday, November 9th & Wednesday, November 23rd
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Location: Trico Changemakers Studio (EB 3013)

Join Hayden Melting Tallow for Blackfoot Lunch & Learn as he shares his knowledge of Blackfoot history, language, and worldviews in the Trico Changemakers Studio this semester. Hayden is from the Siksika Nation, which is part of the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), and he currently serves as the Elder in Residence for the Bissett School of Business at Mount Royal University.
This program provides participants with a welcoming learning environment and connection opportunities. Pommotsiiysinni is the Blackfoot word to describe the action of transferring knowledge to others. 
Online and in-person options are available – register here.

Trans Day Of Remembrance

Date: Thursday, November 17th
Time: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Location: MRU Amphitheatre and The Gallery (Room Z224)

Every year, the Pride Centre gathers to honour transgender, two-spirit, and gender diverse individuals who lost their lives in the past year to transphobic violence. This event provides students with the opportunity to further understand transgender-based violence and its continual impact on transgender and LGBTQ2S+ communities.

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) was started as a vigil in 1999 by, transgender advocate, Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honour the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. This began an important tradition of honouring the transgender people who have lost their lives and is now known as the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.

The Opening Ceremony will begin at 12:00 pm outdoors at the MRU Amphitheatre, followed by a walk in silence through MRU to The Gallery (Room Z224 in Wyckham House), where closing ceremonies will take place.

World Trivia

Date: Tuesday, November 22nd
Time: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Location: West Gate Social

Come to West Gate Social to participate in World Trivia! We live in an incredible world full of vibrant cultures, and we can learn more about them every day. If you love nothing more than learning about the world’s cultures, World Trivia is for you!

Live Music Thursdays: Cultures of MRU Edition

Date: Thursday, November 24th
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: West Gate Social

West Gate Social is proud to continue Wyckham House’s tradition of awesome live music with Live Music Thursdays. Our focus is showcasing local artists and members of the MRU community, and we always have something new coming up. Daniel Hayes, a local Brazilian Acoustic Artist, will be performing for this special Cultures of MRU edition of Live Music Thursday! Come on by to hear some great music and hang out!

Journalism’s Racial Reckoning

Date: Thursday, November 24th
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Location: Council Chambers

This Cultures of MRU event will feature a discussion between MRU Broadcast Media Studies associate professor Dr. Brad Clark, Ph.D., and the Justice Advocates Club on the topic of racism in the journalism industry. Dr. Clark’s newly published book, Journalism’s Racial Reckoning: The News Media’s Pivot to Diversity and Inclusion will be highlighted in this discussion.

Intro to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Support on Campus

Date: Tuesday, November 29th 
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Location: Second Floor Lounge (Wyckham House)

Meet on the second-floor study lounge in Wyckham House on November 29th to hear panelists discuss resources for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) on campus. The panelists include:

• Moussa Magassa, Associate VP, EDI
• Feden Abeda, Safe Disclosure Advisor
• Cory Cardinal, Cultural & Indigenous Inclusion Programmer
• Brenna Blundell, Advocacy Resource and Support Coordinator

The discussion will take place from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, with an additional half an hour for questions and networking.

Ongoing Cultural Inclusion Centre Programming (open to all students year-round!)

Indigenous Crafting Circle

Date: Weekly on Wednesdays
Time: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Location: Cultural Inclusion Centre (Room Z203)

Come learn simple Indigenous crafts! The Indigenous crafting circle is led and taught by students. This event is free and everyone is welcome. 

Drum, Dine, and Discuss

Date: Weekly on Thursdays
Time: 4:30 pm
Location: Cultural Inclusion Centre (Room Z203)

Drum, Dine & Discuss happens is open to everyone on campus. Drumming is a great way to reduce stress and make music. Beginners and participants of all experience levels are welcome to join. After the Drum Circle, enjoy snacks and networking.

International Eat & Greet

Date: Monthly
Time: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Location: Cultural Inclusion Centre (Room Z203)

Many international students have similar struggles and experiences when studying abroad away from their home country. Join us for a snack and an opportunity to meet and build connections; everyone is welcome!

BIPOC Support Network

Date: Monthly
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Location: Cultural Inclusion Centre (Room Z203)

This network seeks to facilitate a sense of belonging on campus by providing a support network for faculty, staff and students who identify as Black, Indigenous or People of Colour. Students can meet faculty and staff and get advice, learn about opportunities on campus, and have another place to share their voice.

Tea & Bannock Talking Circle

Date: Monthly
Time: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Location: Cultural Inclusion Centre (Room Z203)

Talking Circles are an essential part of Indigenous cultures; they encourage dialogue even when there are differences among participants. The Tea and Bannock Talking Circle invites students to meet people and enjoy tea and bannock while participating in discussions on a wide variety of Indigenous and international issues impacting various communities. This event is an open, informal event, and participants are welcome to participate in any capacity they choose.

If you would like to add any of these events to your personal Google Calendar, please visit samru.ca/events