Jeremy McKay said once he graduates from law school a few years down the road, he wants to take his skills back to Pine Creek First Nation and give back to his home community. (Courtney Rutherford/CBC) The achievements of post-secondary students at the University of Manitoba (U of M) were celebrated Saturday during a powwow at Investors Group Athletic Centre.

This year, 350 indigenous students are graduating from the U of M — a number that has risen by roughly 100 grads since last year.

Jeremy McKay is graduating with a bachelor of commerce from the Asper School of Business and will be moving on to law school in the fall.

"It's really important for our young people. We see a lot of kids here that are inspired by the achievements that some of us students have and it's also important for our elders to be rewarded for the good work they've done over the years," McKay said.

He said the powwow is an important celebration of those achievements, but it also inspires younger generations to stick to the books and focus on education.

Shauna Mulligan said after taking a native studies course a few years ago, she was instantly hooked with university and decided to pursue her bachelor of arts degree. (CBC) Shauna Mulligan, another indigenous student at the U of M, is slated to graduate with a degree majoring in native studies with a minor in religion.

"Maybe two years ago there was 150 graduates. The fact that it is still growing is a really good indicator of how aboriginal culture is still growing, and how Métis culture is still growing, and how young people are still starting to realize that education is important and that's the way to go," she said.

Mulligan, who plans to pursue her master's degree, said she was honoured to be a part of Saturday's celebrations.

A dinner was held on the Fort Garry campus in University Centre in the evening following the ceremony.