Aboriginal Gala to support Aboriginal Learners

August 31, 2015

FREDERICTON –Aboriginal culture and style will take centre stage on November 12 when New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) hosts a gala showcasing fashion, food and artistic talents at the Delta Fredericton. Proceeds from ticket sales will support Aboriginal learners.

The event name, Gelu’lg (Gel-uulk) Maw-a-paw (Mow-a-baw), honours New Brunswick’s First Nations cultures. It means “awesome gathering” in the Mi’kmaq (Gelu’lg) and Wolastoqiyik (Maw-a-paw) languages.

“This is an innovative way to raise awareness for Aboriginal culture and funds for the Aboriginal Bursary Fund, a new fund established by The NBCC Foundation,” said Suzanne Desrosiers, Vice-President of Employee and Student Development at NBCC. “NBCC is committed to supporting increased participation of Aboriginal learners to achieve success. For many students, a bursary makes the difference between a dream pursued or a dream deferred. We feel this event is a great way to kick-start this Fund and open doors to education.”

This gala evening includes:

• A three-course dinner
• Fur & leather fashion show which showcases the work of one of the world’s leading Aboriginal fashion designers, Angela DeMontigny
• ECMA-nominated rap artist Red Suga’ from the Pabineau First Nation
• Displays including the work of local artisans from among our 15 First Nations communities
• A showcase of Aboriginal culture throughout the evening

“I’m thrilled to be a part of an event that will help students reach for and achieve their full potential,” said Angela DeMontigny. “I hope my love for fashion will inspire Aboriginal learners of all ages to dream and find their own passion, along with the confidence to make that dream a reality.”

Individual tickets are available now and can be purchased online at www.nbcc.ca/gala.

NBCC is seeking partners who share in a commitment to supporting student success across all ages, cultures and financial means. For sponsorship, group or corporate ticket sales please contact Cindy Sheppard by email at cindy.sheppard@nbcc.ca or by phone (506) 453-8306.

With over 90 programs and six campuses across New Brunswick, New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) is a provincially-recognized, public post-secondary institution reputed for producing skilled, knowledgeable graduates who are contributing to the Province’s socio-economic prosperity. NBCC offers students one- and two-year certificate and diploma programs. Find out more by visiting: www.nbcc.ca.

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Media contact:
Misty Wade Hovey, Communications Officer, NBCC
506.453.8194
misty.wade-hovey@nbcc.ca

NT5