Canadore College is hosting the Maamwi Kindaaswin Festival and Pow-Wow in celebration of National Aboriginal Day June 18 and 19 at the Canadore Lower Field.

The focus of this two-day pow-wow is to promote Aboriginal culture. The festival will be celebrated through workshops, traditional teachings, singing, drumming and dancing over the course of the weekend.

“In partnership with a number of organizations, this cultural gathering is the perfect opportunity to bring everyone together, to celebrate our culture, and teachings,” said Judy Manitowabi, Associate Director of the Aboriginal Learning Unit. “The pow-wow will give us the chance to visit with friends, family and visitors from across the country. It is a wonderful way to honour our culture and bring our communities together.”

Special guests include:
Host Drum: Battle Creek, Red Pheasant, SK
Co-host: Little Iron Singers, Nipissing FN
Emcee: Allan Manitowabi
Lead Dancers: Tory Fisher, Stephanie Peltier
Head Veteran: Tom Saville and Jan Ritchie
Arena Director: John Snake
Featuring: Jacinthe Trudeau

There are approximately 350 self-identified First Nation, Inuit and Métis students enrolled in courses at Canadore College annually from as far west as Alberta to James Bay and Northern Quebec. In the convocation ceremonies held in May 2011, over 120 Aboriginal students successfully graduated from their program of study.

The Grand Entry will take place on Saturday, June 18 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Sunday, June 19 at 12 p.m. at Canadore’s Lower Field, 15 College Drive, North Bay, ON.

The festival is an inclusive event, admission is free and the public is invited to join in the celebrations. The celebration can also be viewed live online by visiting www.canadorecollege.ca.

Canadore College has over 65 full-time quality programs, outstanding faculty and student services and boasts the highest graduation rate amongst the 24 public colleges in Ontario.

Please Note: Pictures and filming are not permitted during the Grand Entry and the Flag Song