This week is Aboriginal History Week at Quesnel’s College of New Caledonia campus.
The celebrations kicked off yesterday with a smudging ceremony, and continues today with bannock-making, beading demonstrations and a presentation on traditional plant use.
Wednesday and Thursday’s events will include a First Nations craft sale, a Pow Wow dance demonstration, and more.
The celebration aims to recognize the thousands of years of history of the First Nations in British Columbia.
“We must celebrate our past as well as our future because the two are intertwined,” says CNC director of Aboriginal Education, Marlene Erickson.
“Aboriginal communities are thriving today and that is certainly something to celebrate.”
“Aboriginal culture is an important aspect of our campus,” says CNC Quesnel Regional Principal Morgan Ross.
“We are excited to welcome the community to celebrate the Aboriginal history and culture in this region.”
Aboriginal History Week schedule
March 12 – 10:00 am – Smudging – outside atrium
10:30 am – Leather/Beading medicine bags and mini-moccasins – Room T108
Noon – Carrier history and culture presentation – Room S205
March 13 – 10:00 am – Bannock making demo – kitchen area
10:30 am – Leather/Beading medicine bags and mini-moccasins – Room T108
Noon – Traditional plant use presentation – Room S205
March 14 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm – First Nation Vendors Crafts for Sale – Atrium
11:30 am – Food vendor bannock tacos and chili – Cafeteria area
Noon – Pow Wow Dance Demonstration – Atrium
March 15 – 10:00 am – Smudging – Outside atrium
10:30 am - Leather/Beading medicine bags and mini-moccasins – Room T108
Noon – Community lunch with First Nations guests