Indigenous student leader Zachary Biech is one of the faces behind U of T's grand powwow this weekend

hjames — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 19:24:51 +0000

hjames Fri, 03/10/2017 - 14:24

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Law student Zachary Biech is a founder member of the Indigenous Studies Student Union and will be a flag bearer at Saturday's powwow (photo by Hannah James)

Hannah James

Author legacy

Hannah James

Topic

City & Culture

Indigenous

Powwow

Students Union

Faculty of Arts & Science

When Zachary Biech – a descendant of the legendary Chief Poundmaker – first arrived at ��οhe had little connection to his Plains Cree ancestry.

By the time he finished his degree in Indigenous studies, Biech (who describes Poundmaker as his uncle of seven generations) was well on his way to becoming an engaged student leader.

Biech, now a first year law student, has been asked to be a flag bearer at Saturday's first-large scale powwow in decades. The powwow is organized by the Indigenous Studies Student Union, which he founded less than two years ago.

Read the Metro News story about the powwow

The Indigenous Studies Student Union has also been awarded the Sanjeev (Sanj) Dewett Course Union of the Year Award by the Arts and Science Student's Union, which will be presented officially to the union on March 22.

“The group is meant to be a symbol of hope, and I think it’s living proof because it shows a small group of friends with a good idea really can change everything,” says Biech.

Inspired by his ancestors – like Chief Poundmaker (pictured above, courtesy of Archives Canada), and celebrated scholars Freda Ahenakew and Edward Ahenakew – Biech says as he continues to study at U of T, he remains dedicated to standing up for his people.

“It was the greatest gift to me to come here and learn about my people, my culture and other Indigenous cultures," he says.

Students Union

Indigenous student leader Zachary Biech is one of the faces behind U of T's grand powwow this weekend

Read more about the powwow

Read the Metro News story about the powwow