Grade Five students celebrate Anishinaabe culture at Algoma U

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA UNIVERSITY

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Today, Grade Five students across the Algoma District School Board (ADSB), Huron Superior Catholic District School Board (HSCDSB), and École publique Écho-des-Rapides, will be celebrating Education Day at Algoma University, hosted by the Anishinaabe Initiatives Division (AID). 

This event marks a unique co-operation between the elementary school boards in the area as well as Algoma University.

As part of Ontario’s Grade Five curriculum, students are learning about Anishinaabe culture. In order to better understand Anishinaabe culture and heritage, Algoma University and the AID invites students from across the Algoma region to take part in a variety of traditional and contemporary events which fosters better understanding about Canada’s First Peoples. 

Education Day also provides Grade Five students with the opportunity to interact with current university students and demonstrates the need to continue with higher education.

“Education Day is an outreach and immersion event for young students across Sault Ste. Marie. It’s a great opportunity for students to visit Algoma University and to become familiar with Anishinaabe culture and heritage,” said Melissa Agawa, Anishinaabe Cultural and Social Program Coordinator. “It’s important for younger generations to become aware of the rich Anishinaabe history and culture that exists right here in the community and on-campus.”

Over 500 students are expected to be in attendance and will learn about a variety of traditional and contemporary Anishinaabe culture activities such as trapping, wood and stone carving, drumming, Métis dance, and more.

About Algoma University

Algoma University was established in 1965 and is located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Algoma University is a small, undergraduate, teaching-focused university that places an emphasis on serving the needs of Northern Ontario.

Algoma University offers a wide range of degrees spanning the liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines.  As a partner with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Algoma University has a special mission to cultivate cross-cultural learning between Aboriginal populations and other communities.

Algoma University also offers satellite programming in Brampton and Timmins. For more information, please visit www.algomau.ca.

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