Sainte-Marie among the Hurons

to celebrate Aboriginal Heritage June 21-23

The national historic site Sainte-Marie among the Hurons will offer an outstanding celebration of Aboriginal heritage over three consecutive days with its National Aboriginal Day event Friday June 21 and the Aboriginal Festival Saturday and Sunday June 22-23.

 National Aboriginal Day Friday June 21 is a time for all Canadians to celebrate the cultures and contributions to Canada of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.  On this special day over 900 school children and teachers are currently booked to attend the event at Sainte-Marie.  Visitors will be greeted with inspiring Aboriginal drumming by Chris Walser, and can then free-flow to a great selection of hands-on activities on the historic site that share the dynamic culture of Canada’s First Nations.  NEW this year will be the Haudenosaunee Dancers, an Iroquois drum and dance group that uses water drum and cow horn to provide engaging performances that thank the Creator and reinforce community relationships.  The on-site program will also feature the riveting Aztec Drumming Group as well as the popular Neil Monague Hand Drumming Group performing in the longhouse.  Also NEW to the event is the Youth Métis Nation of Ontario, who will offer an interactive craft as part of the historic site program.

Sainte-Marie’s exciting celebration of Aboriginal culture will continue on June 22-23 with the Aboriginal Festival running throughout the entire weekend. The  Haudenosaunee Dancers and Aztec Drumming Group will perform six times each day, as well as daily performances by the Neil Monague Hand Drumming Group.  The impressive Survival in the Bush outdoor encampment will greet visitors at the entrance to the historic site, complete with costumed animators who will share wilderness survival techniques.   Activities and demonstrations on the historic site will include making corn husk figures, making clay Okies (a Wendat good luck charm), playing lacrosse, bracelet making, constructing a traditional bone game, and basket weaving.  Visitors can also try their hand at cooking bannock over an open fire, and sample herbal teas. In the Sainte-Marie foyer, superb Aboriginal crafters will showcase   First Nations fine art, jewelry, white buffalo sage, healing bags made with flaxseed and cedar, leatherwork, and dream catchers.  An exquisite collection of photographs entitled “The Spirit of Drumbeats” by photographer Sydney Hedderich is also on display, capturing the “in-motion” beauty of traditional Pow Wows.