Sault College Celebrates National Aboriginal Day

Jun 21, 2017 @ 21:4

Today, the Sault College community joined together in honour of National Aboriginal Day. The group united to commemorate this important day with a flag raising ceremony, a Welcome Song drum greeting and inspirational speeches.

 

Today’s event is a part of wider celebrations going on across Canada recognizing and celebrating the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada. The day was first celebrated in 1996, after it was proclaimed that year by then Governor General of Canada Roméo LeBlanc. This day was selected for many reasons, including its cultural significance as the Summer solstice and it is a day on which many Indigenous groups traditionally celebrate their heritage.

 

Sault College is proud to foster and encourage an understanding and appreciation of the histories, culture and traditions of Indigenous peoples. The College’s commitment to advancing Indigenous Education is prevalent. In recognition of this, Sault College was honoured by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) as the Gold recipient of the Indigenous Education Excellence Award.

 

“Today on National Aboriginal Day we are particularly proud to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding contributions and cultures of Canada’s Indigenous peoples,” says Sault College President Dr. Ron Common. “Our College is fiercely committed to creating an environment that encourages openness and inclusivity. Today and every day we will reflect on the outstanding contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada and remain committed to reinforcing a culture of inclusion, acceptance and understanding,” he adds.