SIAST "Project of Heart" wraps up
- EFN Staff | May 15, 2014
A SIAST project that honoured residential school survivors wrapped up last week, coinciding with the four-day 24th annual Aboriginal Culture Awareness Event,
The event also included with keynote speakers, Aborginal youth role models and entertainment.
"Celebrating Aboriginal culture and understanding Aboriginal heritage contributes to ensuring SIAST provides a diverse and inclusive learning environment for both students and employees," says Dr. Larry Rosia, SIAST president and CEO.
Participants had the opportunity to witness the unveiling of the Project of Heart tiles, painted and arranged in the SIAST logo to commemorate residential school survivors.
"Project of Heart started in February as an educational program for SIAST students, faculty and staff to learn about the residential school experience from community elders," said Jennifer McGillis, SIAST Aboriginal activity centre leader. "The painting of tiles serves as a visual representation of the number of children who attended an Indian residential school. The project is designed to create awareness of the impact it had on the children, their families and generations to follow."
The Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Event began with a tipi raising and pipe ceremony, and continued throughout the week with various sports, music and cultural activities, including pow wow aerobics, a lacrosse demonstration, Sweet Grass teachings and traditional soup and bannock tasting.
"This week-long event provides the campus community with the opportunity to engage in Aboriginal culture," said Lori Campbell, SIAST Aboriginal community coordinator. "The event has grown from its beginning, but the goal has remained the same: to provide cultural awareness and enhance pride in Aboriginal cultures."