Earlier today on Friday, June 20, some 800 Greater Sudbury students gathered at the École secondaire du Sacré-Cœur field (261 Notre-Dame Avenue, Sudbury) to take part in a traditional powwow and various related events in celebration of National Aboriginal Day. This activity, offered by the N’Swamakok Native Friendship Centre, united elementary school students from the Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario, Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario, Sudbury Catholic District School Board and Rainbow District School Board. It enabled participants to better appreciate and discover the culture of Canada’s Aboriginal people. After viewing the Grand Entry, students saw dancers in regalia, listened to honour songs and discovered the various components of a pow-wow. Drumming, dancing and Métis culture workshops were also be held.

This traditional pow-wow was provided to students as part of National Aboriginal Day. Celebrated annually on June 21, National Aboriginal Day is an occasion for all Canadians to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.