JUNE 21, 2017 - BARRIE, ON: On Wednesday, June 21, the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board will recognize National Aboriginal Day at its 5th annual open house. The event will take place between noon and 2 p.m. at the Professional Activity Centre located at St. Joseph's Catholic High School - 243 Cundles Street East.
The event is geared toward staff at the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) who will have an opportunity to view student work, learn about new resources such as the Treaty Kit, Métis Education Kit and a school bookmaking project lead by St. John Vianney Catholic Elementary School where students learned about Inuit culture, language and the environment in Nunavut.
Another highlight of the event is a special presentation by a graduating student from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School on the topic of missing and murdered Aboriginal women. And, a year-long Truth and Reconciliation activity involving students, educators, community and parish will also be showcased.
For a blend of culture and cuisine, lunch will consist of traditional foods such as the Three Sisters Soup, wild rice and cedar tea. With this year marking Canada’s 150th birthday, this event reminds us about a rich culture and history dating back more than 10,000 years.
National Aboriginal Day was launched in 1996 to acknowledge the contributions, culture and history of First Nation, Métis and Inuit people across Canada. This day was selected because of the significance of the summer solstice and as the longest day of the year - it is another opportunity for Canadians to become better acquainted with our shared history - especially at this time of Truth and Reconciliation.