Dakota Tipi First Nation was the site of a day dedicated to indigenous culture for the Grade 6 students throughout the Portage la Prairie School Division. Indigenous Academic Achievement Facilitator Jill Fast outlines the activities in Indigenous Awareness Day.

(L-R) Jill Fast & fellow organizer Colin James"We have guest speaker presentations in the morning with elders and knowledge keepers," says Fast. "Then we have a barbecue lunch, and then a powwow demonstration in the afternoon with two powwow drum groups and all the powwow dance categories. We believe that it's important for all students -- indigenous and non-indigenous -- to learn and celebrate indigenous culture. In the path of Reconciliation, we have this event to help students learn and celebrate in our division."

Fast thanks Dakota Tipi and the Health Centre there for hosting Indigenous Awareness Day, as well as the powwow dancers, drummers and guest speakers for sharing their knowledge and culture. She also thanks Youth For Christ for setting up the barbecue. She adds staff and students who helped the day take place are also appreciated.

Drum band