Sainte-Marie celebrates Aboriginal heritage

(News Release)

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons will celebrate Aboriginal Heritage on National Aboriginal Day Tuesday June 21 and during the site’s Aboriginal Festival June 25-26.

Aboriginal singers and drummers perform at the Aboriginal Festival at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.

National Aboriginal Day 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 Sainte-Marie will feature The Red Spirit Drum and Dance Group bringing youth from Ojibway, Cree, Mic Mac, Mohawk, and Dakota Nations to share their colourful presentation with visitors.  The Métis Nation of Ontario will present a display of items showcasing the varied and interesting aspects of Métis culture.  Also included in the event will be children’s heritage crafts, waterway and lacrosse demonstrations, and Aboriginal crafters. Over 2,000 school children are currently booked to attend the June 21 event at Sainte-Marie. 

The Aboriginal Festival on June 25-26 will continue the colourful celebration of Aboriginal culture and offer numerous activities and demonstrations.  Back by popular demand will be the Tlacopan Aztec Dancers from Mexico City.  The group will perform energetic ritual dances in their hand-made beaded costumes and headdresses.  John Somosi, an Aboriginal singer and drummer from Hanover who encourages lots of hands-on drumming participation from the audience, will perform both days.  Hank Monague and his “Big Drum” will also perform over the weekend.  Aboriginal artisans from across Ontario will be featured in the Sainte-Marie foyer and the fascinating Survival in the Bush outdoor exhibitors will greet visitors at the entrance to the historic site.

Visitors enjoy making an Aboriginal craft at last year's Aboriginal Festival at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.

Other activities will include making clay Okies (a Huron good luck charm), children’s heritage crafts, lacrosse demonstrations, and basket making.  Sainte-Marie’s Interpretive Staff will showcase historic fire-starting, 17th-century medicine, waterway demonstrations, and historic cooking.  A wigwam display will also be in Sainte-Marie’s foyer, and animated films on DVD will be shown for kids throughout the day.

National Aboriginal Day is on Tuesday, June 21 and the Aboriginal Festival runs Saturday June 25 and Sunday June 26.  For further information please contact (705) 526-7838.