UManitoba unveils new Indigenous-designed convocation robes

The University of Manitoba has unveiled new Indigenous-designed convocation robes for its chancellor and president. The robes were reimagined by Jackie Traverse, an Ojibwe artist from the Lake St Martin First Nation. They feature the Prairie crocus to represent Manitoba and depict red and orange flower buds to symbolize the missing Indigenous women and children. The robes also integrate the colours of the four symbolic nations of the medicine wheel. UManitoba President Michael Benarroch said that he is proud to wear these robes at all future convocations. “These robes help demonstrate the University of Manitoba’s respect for the territories this university resides upon and our commitment to creating experiences that are more welcoming to Indigenous students,” said Benarroch.