On June 5, Haliburton Highlands Secondary School, in partnership with the Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB), hosted the third annual educational pow wow and drum social.
The event was in collaboration with Oshkaabewis Dave Rice of Wasauksing First Nation, Odawa Anishinaabe Metis
Knowledge Holder, Larry O’Connor, and Elder Christopher Stock.
The pow wow and drum social kicked off the start of National Indigenous History Month and invited schools to listen, learn and experience the celebration.
Students and staff were guided through various teachable moments from Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee
perspectives to increase understanding and engagement with Indigenous culture, traditions, protocols, dances, and music.
Sara DeCaire brought three students (Greyson Stieler, Jake Porter and June Sahanatien) from Wahta Mohawks First Nation near Bala. They wore ribbon attire.
“We’re just here to bring some knowledge and to show the kids because not everybody has the opportunity to attend pow wows throughout the summer. It’s a big thing. There’s First Nations all over Ontario and there’s kids that go to all these schools, so it’s nice to be able to put some culture and language back into some programming,” DeCaire said.
“It’s a great learning experience for them and for us.”
DeCaire said they come from a small reserve, where their traditions are “kind of lacking, so we’re trying to bring back the culture, bring back our language and what a great way to start, to be part of this pow wow.”
She added each of the First Nations has different things to offer, from jingle dresses to ribbon shirts.
“It’s nice to see all the cultures and different regalia.”
