The College of New Caledonia (CNC) is celebrating Aboriginal communities, students and employees during Aboriginal Culture Day on March 27.
This day will focus on reflecting and celebrating the thousands of years of First Nations history in British Columbia.
Photo credit: CNC
“When looking to the past, it is also crucial to analyze the present as well as look toward the future,” said CNC Director of Aboriginal Education Marlene Erickson.
“We must celebrate our past as well as our future because the two are intertwined. Aboriginal communities are thriving today and that is certainly something to celebrate.”
Aboriginal Cultural Day opens with traditional singing and drumming in CNC’s Gathering Place at noon.
The afternoon will feature various presentations and booths highlighting Aboriginal art, history, culture and language.
“We are honoured to welcome the community to a celebration of Aboriginal history and culture,” said CNC Aboriginal Resource Centre Cultural Advisor Darlene McIntosh.
Photo credit: CNC
The presenters include:
- Julie Jacques – Takla Elder who creates moccasins and beautiful beadwork with hides
- Mary Gouchie and Janet Kozak – Mother and daughter Lheidli T’enneh Elders who teach Carrier in the Lheidli dialect
- Michael Antoine – Saik’uz First Nation artist and carver as well as accomplished drummer and singer
- Tom Mowatt – Storyteller, artist and mature CNC student who is Wolf clan of the Gitxsan Nation
- Ray Nooski – Caribou Clan (Luksilyoo clan) Elder from Nadleh Whut’en Nation who is a story teller and gifted medicine man
- Joyce Roberts, Sue Perron and Chris Roberts – Metis Elders who will be presenting on Metis history
- Clayton Gauthier – Beaver clan artist, carver, drummer and singer from Prince George
- Marylin Nelson – CNC student from the Blackfish clan, Tsimshian Nation of the North coast of BC who will be making the afternoon’s bannock
- Lynette La Fontaine – Metis roots from North Saskatchewan working as a community nurse at UNBC Health Services
- Paige French – Traditionally trained medicine woman who is also an Aboriginal support worker at PGSS
- Bruce Allan – CNC instructor from Stellat’en First Nation who will be showing how the game LAHAL is played
All events will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Gathering Place.
