The Wellington County Museum and Archives is hosting the two-day 2014 Aboriginal Heritage Festival in partnership with the Upper Grand District School Board, the Grand River Metis Council and the Guelph Rotary Club on May 2 and 3.
In its fourth year, the festival honours the First Nations, Inuit and Metis cultures, blending the quiet beauty of native art with the sounds of the drum and the power of the indigenous voice.
On May 2, teachers are invited to register their classes and partake in opening ceremonies and three unique workshops. The afternoon will culminate in a powerful youth presentation from “Reztore Pride” and closing ceremonies.
May 3 is the public information day, there will be a series of concurrent workshops and lectures as well as aboriginal dancing, food and art.
Workshops will explore different components of aboriginal culture, from Sports, to art, to lifestyles to the history of the canoe and the importance of the drum.
There are a maximum number of registrants so early booking is recommended. The cost per student for the day is $3.
Email, or call Libby Walker, Activity Programmer, at 519-846-0916 ext. 5224 or libbyw@wellington.ca for further information or to register.
The museum will be open from 1 to 5pm. Admission is by donation.
New for 2014, the Guelph Rotary Club has sponsored this year’s Aboriginal Heritage Youth Award. The award will be presented to a student of aboriginal ancestry attending a school within the Upper Grand District School Board who has demonstrated leadership qualities in the community and in the promotion of aboriginal culture.
The nomination form can be found at www.wellington.ca/museum or by asking at a local school.
