A song that honours UCalgary grads

For the last six years, a performance of the UCalgary Honour Song has been a traditional part of convocation ceremonies at the University of Calgary.

The song was gifted to the university in June 2018 by Elder Rod Hunter, Stoney Nakoda Traditional Knowledge Keeper. 

The song, which was recorded by Hunter’s drum group, Eya-Hey Nakoda, was initially created in the 1970s and shared with the public in 1984. Hunter says it took a long time for him to write the song as different experiences in his life would take him away and bring him back to the writing process, but, in the process, they helped inform the song.

The Honour Song is about hope and fortitude, resilience and perseverance. It is performed at all UCalgary convocations as well as major university events. The song was gifted to the university in ceremony, during the transfer of the ii’ taa’poh’to’p tipi design, marking one of four cultural gifts offered to UCalgary as part of journey of its Indigenous Strategy.

“All songs come from the creator,” says Hunter. “Therefore, this song was destined for the U of C and a way to bless all of the students and faculty. This song recognizes one’s journey. It is representative of the many milestones people will have in their lives.”

The Honour Song is a modern take on traditional pow wow music, being more contemporary and shorter. Traditionally, music was passed down orally. 

The gifted song is extremely meaningful to the university, says Dr. Michael Hart, PhD, vice-provost (Indigenous Engagement). 

“We see how fortunate we were when Elder Hunter gifted us with the UCalgary Honour Song,” he says. “It symbolizes the parallel paths Indigenous people and the university are walking to transform the university and the practice of joining in ethical space for the betterment of people in the university. We continue to hold this gift with both pride and humility and as we work to carry it respectfully through its inclusion within events and ceremonies held at the university.”

With the 2024 fall convocation taking place Nov. 13 and 14, the UCalgary community will once again get the honour of hearing the song, and the chance to think deeply about the journey it portrays.