Cultural Activities

The Welcoming Ceremony -

NEC hosts a Welcoming Ceremony at the beginning of each semester during the academic year.  This ceremony follows the protocols of the Longhouse in which a traditional speaker explains that the Longhouse is a place of positive energy, teaching and sharing. The speaker will discuss that entering through the ceremonial entrance symbolizes leaving the negative energy outside the Longhouse and everyone entering the Longhouse do so with their positive energy.

Entering the College through the carved cedar pole and ceremonial entrance also symbolizes the countless doors, opportunities and rewarding careers for students pursuing and completing higher academic education. The ceremony includes traditional songs and students, staff and guests are encouraged to participate in the various interactive dances that take place during the ceremony.

These ceremonies along with the Cleansing Ceremony, Burning Ceremony, traditional singing and drumming are important components of the cultural uniqueness of NEC Native Education College.

Dates:
September 23, 2008
January 20, 2009
April 21, 2009