Conestoga news

February 18, 2011 1:07 PM

Join us for Conestoga's First Annual Traditional Pow Wow

Conestoga's Aboriginal Services is hosting its first annual traditional Pow Wow ceremony on Saturday, February 26. Come out and celebrate Conestoga's partnership with the Aboriginal community at one of the only Pow Wow events to take place in Kitchener. The event will feature drummers, singers and more than 100 dancers from First Nations across Southern Ontario, as well as aboriginal arts, crafts and traditional foods.

Conestoga College Aboriginal Services

Everyone is welcome to attend this event being held in Conestoga College’s Recreation Centre from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Admission is $5.00, or free with a donation to the Food Bank. Guests will be able to participate in workshops and learn more about Aboriginal teachings. Vendors will be on-hand with original Aboriginal arts, crafts and food including corn soup, Indian tacos and wild meats. The Aboriginal Student Association will also be on-hand selling dream-catchers.

"Pow Wows are a way to come together and celebrate the Aboriginal culture," said Myeengun Henry, Manager, Aboriginal Student Services. "For many students who are away from their family and community while attending college, this celebration can give them the strength to continue their studies resulting in increased student success and retention."

Grand Entry at 12:00 pm will be led by Arnold Albert, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, as Eagle Staff carrier and head veteran. This will be followed by the music of 32 drummers on 4 large drums in the centre of the gymnasium and a variety of dancers. Genevieve Fisher, an up-and-coming Aboriginal country singer, will perform during intermission at 3:00 pm.

For more information, contact Aboriginal Services at Conestoga: (519) 748-5220 Ext 2470 or 2251 or laudy@conestogac.on.ca