A First Nations Cultural Celebration was held at A.A. Wright Public School in Wallaceburg on Thursday.
Gretchen Gamble, a kindergarten teacher at the school and the event organizer, told the Sydenham Current a dancing and drumming demonstration was held for the students inside the gymnasium.
“With Snye Creek drumming it was an opportunity for our First Nations students and their families to share their pride in their culture,” she said.
“Tyler White, the MC, taught the students about the traditional dances, the dancers’ regalia and the drum. We had some inter-tribal songs so all the students from the school could have an opportunity to participate with the dancers. We ended with a travelling song to end the dancing in a good way.”
Gamble said they held some workshops in the afternoon to learn about First Nations arts and crafts and the sport of lacrosse.
“We had Phylis Schuyler teaching beading to primary classes and Jeffrey Schuyler taught the 5/6s the traditional origins and teachings of lacrosse,” she said.
Gamble said the event was a hit with the students.
“The First Nations kids who danced felt really proud, and the spectators really enjoyed it,” she said.
“I saw lots of little kids at recess trying out the dance moves.”
Here are some photos taken by Gretchen Gamble:
Here are some photos taken by Aaron Hall:
– Photo credit: Gretchen Gamble, Aaron Hall
