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In honour of National Aboriginal Day, members of Blackfoot and Cree nations participated in a cultural celebration hosted in Calgary on June 20.
The event was hosted by AltaLink, electricity provider working closely with many Indigenous communities across the province.
The day began with a tipi raising and smudge ceremony and included traditional hand games, drumming circles, artisan vendors and performances by the Métis Little Jiggers of the Valley View Medicine Wheel kindergarten and the Blackfoot Medicine Speaks Dance Company.
Blackfoot Elder Leonard Bastien led the opening prayer for the main event, with the focus being partnership and collaboration.
“By bringing our communities together, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, we’re able to create opportunities for all of us to work together and make a difference in this world.”
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Georgian College is honoring the Maple Sugar Moon (Ziibaakdoke-giizis) March 11 during its
12th annual traditional powwow held at the Barrie Campus Athletic Centre.
The event is organized by students, staff and community members and celebrates traditional culture, providing the greater community with a learning experience about Indigenous tradition.
Have fun, sample food and enjoy the day, said Amy Taylor, special events co-ordinator.
The powwow will be held in the Barrie Campus gymnasium on Saturday, March 11 from noon to 9 p.m. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
Grand entry is scheduled for noon and at 7 p.m. for the evening session. Dinner will be served from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and the event wraps at 9 p.m.
Admission and parking are free. Donations of non-perishable food items will go to the Food Locker program, an on-campus food bank for Georgian students. Everyone is welcome.
“Powwow is a time for people to participate, learn, celebrate and share culture and heritage through drumming, singing, dancing, feasting, sharing and laughter,” said Taylor.
“Once again this year there will be many talented dancers, drum groups and amazing craft vendors who will be selling their handcrafted wares.”
For more information contact Amy Taylor at 705.728.1968, ext. 1373 or email her at amy.taylor@georgiancollege.ca.