QUESNEL – The College of New Caledonia (CNC) is celebrating Aboriginal communities, students and employees at its Quesnel campus throughout Aboriginal History Week, March 12 to 16.
Aboriginal History Week is an important opportunity to reflect and celebrate the thousands of years of history of First Nations in British Columbia. When looking at the past, it is also crucial to analyze the present as well as look towards the future, said CNC Director of Aboriginal Education Marlene Erickson.
“We must celebrate our past as well as our future because the two are intertwined,” she said. “Aboriginal communities are thriving today and that is certainly something to celebrate.”
CNC Quesnel kicks off Aboriginal History Week with a smudging ceremony at 10:00 am on March 12 outside its atrium. The week continues on with daily events including a Carrier history and culture presentation, a Bannock making demo and Pow Wow dance demonstration.
“Aboriginal culture is an important aspect of our campus,” said CNC Quesnel Regional Principal Morgan Ross. “We are excited to welcome the community to celebrate the Aboriginal history and culture in this region.”
Aboriginal History Week at CNC’s Quesnel campus:
March 12 – 10:00 am – Smudging – outside atrium
10:30 am – Leather/Beading medicine bags and mini-moccasins – Room T108
Noon – Carrier history and culture presentation – Room S205
March 13 – 10:00 am – Bannock making demo – kitchen area
10:30 am – Leather/Beading medicine bags and mini-moccasins – Room T108
Noon – Traditional plant use presentation – Room S205
March 14 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm – First Nation Vendors Crafts for Sale – Atrium
11:30 am – Food vendor bannock tacos and chili – Cafeteria area
Noon – Pow Wow Dance Demonstration – Atrium
March 15 – 10:00 am – Smudging – Outside atrium
10:30 am – Leather/Beading medicine bags and mini-moccasins – Room T108
Noon – Community lunch with First Nations guests
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For more information:
Dustin Ruth
Media Relations, Communications
College of New Caledonia
ruthd1@cnc.bc.ca | 778-349-0597
Nancy Lilienweiss
Marketing and Student Recruitment Officer
College of New Caledonia, Quesnel
lilienweissn@cnc.bc.ca | (250) 991-7500 ext. 7659