In The News
Aboriginal-First Nations History Celebrated
in Historic Huronia
 Historic
Huronia………….June, 2008. The
month of June signals the beginning of First Nations and Métis
festivals throughout Huronia and Southern Georgian Bay. First
Nations and Métis history is recognized throughout
the year in Historic Huronia with special celebrations taking
place at many area attractions during the summer months.
One of the first Aboriginal festivals will take place June
14, 15 at Sainte-Marie
among the Hurons, with Spirit Drum and Dance Groups
with youth from Ojibway, Cree, Mic Mac, Mohawk, and Dakota
Nations. Visitors will be fascinated with the Survival
in the Bush exhibit that will demonstrate historic
fire-starting, cordage making, trap and snare exhibits, native
cooking, bone tools and birch-bark baskets, a furrier display,
and edible tea tasting.
National
Aboriginal Day will be celebrated on June 21, 2008 at
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. This historic day in First
Nations history is an annual Canadian event. Canada chose
June 21 because of the cultural significance of the summer
solstice and because many Aboriginal groups mark this day
as a time to celebrate their heritage. The celebrations will
therefore continue at Sainte-Marie on Saturday June 21 with
the Jock Family Water Drum and Dance Group, Neil Monague’s
Christian Island Hand Drum Group, Aboriginal Crafters,
and a host of Native demonstrations and displays throughout
the historic site.
The
Ouendat Village and Huronia Museum is open year round
with tours of the replica Huron village which existed before
the European arrival in North America.
Jamie Hunter, Executive Director of the Huronia Museum, says
"The North Simcoe communities of Midland and Penetanguishene
have long felt that Aboriginal and Métis history were
a vital part of the communities tradition……..in
the1940s and 1950s extensive archeological research was carried
out on such sites as Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, and the
Huron villages of St. Ignace, Forget, and St. Louis. The results
culminated in a joint Federal, Provincial & Municipal
development of area historical attractions in the region now
referred to as Historic Huronia. The historic creations reflect
a commitment to honour Aboriginal peoples and define their
important role in the development of the country.
Additional festivals in Historic Huronia take place at Discovery
Harbour with the annual Métis Day, Bo’jou
Neejee - August 9th. And the POW Wow on September 6th &
7th, 2008 presented by the Georgian
Bay Native Friendship Centre's 8th Annual Traditional Powwow.
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