Pamela Giroux | Jul 22, 2010


Who knew the month of June was National Aboriginal History Month? Here in the environs of Sharbot Lake we were made aware of this designation because it was brought to our attention in a letter to the editor of the Frontenac News.

First Nations culture was brought to four elementary schools in our area in the form of an Aboriginal Play Day. Danka Brewer, the organizer for this event, met with the principals of Sharbot Lake, Clarendon Central, Hinchinbrooke and Land O' Lakes Public Schools. She discussed with them the plans for an Aboriginal Play Day to be held in each school in June. Then Danka met with the staff and students at each school to organize the games, do story telling and share drumming and songs. The development for the Play Days began in January in order to schedule it in for the busy month of June. During the Spring Danka travelled to each school to organise the students into animal clans, represented by such animals as deer, bear, loon and turtle, to name a few. Each clan was made up of students from kindergarten to grade eight which meant the older ones were there to help younger ones and thus promote a spirit of co-operation within the clan. In order to recognize clan members T-shirts were distributed to all the students for them to decorate with markers indicating their clan animal.

This was quite a creative process to take on in four different schools. Danka also enlisted the help of her cousin, AnneMarie Wilson and her daughter Marianne to make bannock for the children at a refreshment break during the day so that the children would also get a taste of native culture as well. The bannock came with a choice of strawberry jam or brown sugar--a delicious treat! The Sisters of the Drum were also called upon to participate in the opening ceremonies for the Play Day at each school. Danka takes care of public relations for the drum group so the "Sisters" were happy to oblige. The children learned some Native songs and especially enjoyed the Children's Medicine Song, Pa Pa Say. I went to each school for the Play Days and participated in the drumming and singing with the children and I observed how enthusiastically the students and teachers embraced this new experience. It took a great deal of planning on Danka's part but what a great reward looking at all those smiling faces. So that's how we celebrated National Aboriginal History Month here in this part of Ontario. The Sisters of the Drum are proud of you, Danka! 

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