Education Day: Rainbow Schools participate in Northern Aboriginal Festival

A total of 300 students from Rainbow Schools will take part in the Northern Aboriginal Festival this Friday, April 3, 2009. They will gather in the foyer at Tom Davies Square from 9 am to 2:45 pm to participate in a variety of activities as part of the new Education Day component of the Festival sponsored by the Ministry of Education and Vale Inco.

The Northern Aboriginal Festival is being presented in partnership with Laurentian University, Cambrian College and the City of Greater Sudbury to showcase and celebrate Canada’s First Peoples. Two new partners, Rainbow District School Board and the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, have been added to this year’s event to include an enhanced focus on education.

Students will enjoy keynote presentations, take part in workshops and visit cultural, educational and career related booths.  They will also see drummers and dancers perform throughout the day.

The Northern Aboriginal Festival is one of many initiatives in which Rainbow District School Board continues to build bridges toward cultural understanding of First Nation, Métis and Inuit education.  “All students in Rainbow Schools are gaining knowledge and an appreciation of contemporary and traditional First Nations, Métis and Inuit traditions, cultures and perspectives,” says Director of Education Jean Hanson.

“We are delighted to participate in the Northern Aboriginal Festival as we continue to improve outcomes for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students and look for meaningful ways to share their rich culture with all students in Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin,” she added. “The day will celebrate First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth – all they are and all they can become. And, it will inspire all students in Rainbow Schools to learn more about Canada’s First Peoples and their impressive contributions.”

By participating in the Northern Aboriginal Festival, Aboriginal youth in Rainbow Schools will have an opportunity to see themselves reflected in a variety of educational and career pathways.  They will meet a number of role models, including former Olympic athlete Waneek Horn-Miller, artist and entrepreneur Doug Bedard (aka Plex), and award-winning filmmaker and artist Shirley Cheechoo.

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Media Contact:
Kathy Dokis-Ranney, Principal, First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Education
Rainbow District School Board, (705) 671-5940, ext. 6470