THUNDER BAY – Local public schools have been celebrating culture.
The students and staff of Kingsway Park Public School and Hyde Park Public School have been participating in cultural celebrations that recognize Canada's First Nations People, Métis and Inuit culture Wednesday and Thursday.
Over the course of two days, the students have been spending their mornings attending various workshops run by a number of Biwaase'aa members, a non-profit organization that provides aide for Aboriginal children and families in Thunder Bay.
"It's really about getting the students to meet community members that are active and involved in different cultures, and languages in our community. Darren Lentz, Principal of Kingsway Park Public Schools said.
"We are providing them with the hands on opportunities, and allowing the students to meet people and to learn from them directly."
Throughout the celebrations the students will be taught different cultural topics. These topics include traditional games, such as lacrosse. Food preparation on how to make bannock, drumming and various Métis teachings.
"We have a whole bunch of community organizations attending the celebrations, as well as Elders, they are each helping us have a celebration of First Nation culture, language and different teachings," said Lentz.
The students will also be participating in a truth and reconciliation commemorative ceremony and garden planting on Thursday, June 11th. Followed by a Pow Wow, that will allow the students to experience both song and dance of First Nations culture.
