Brantford Campus celebrates with Aboriginal Awareness events March 6th until March 8th

Brantford – A celebration of Haudenosaunee social dances and songs, a showcase of local Aboriginal musicians and artists, and a collection of traditional therapeutic activities highlight Laurier Brantford’s Aboriginal awareness events March 6 to 8.

The events begin with “Traditional Tuesday,” featuring the Sour Springs Singer Society performing traditional Haudenosaunee dances and songs and leading workshops on these traditional cultural activities, including a smoke dance competition from noon to 2 p.m. An artist’s showcase will take place on Wednesday, where local aboriginal musicians and artists are invited to perform original and cover music and display their artwork. The Brantford community is invited to experience the sound and styles of contemporary artists and artisans from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities both days will take place in Laurier Brantford’s Research and Academic Centre West, 150 Dalhousie Street.On “Therapeutic Thursday,” healers and energy workers will be on campus to offer services including Reiki, reflexology or life readings, all free of charge. The event and takes place in Laurier Brantford’s Aboriginal Student Centre, 111 Darling Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“This week is an opportunity for both the Laurier campus and the community to celebrate the Aboriginal culture and heritage of this area,” said Bonnie Whitlow, Laurier Brantford’s Aboriginal student support coordinator. “We are celebrating not only the Aboriginal culture of Six Nations and the Mississaugas of the New Credit, but also the strong Aboriginal heritage on Laurier’s Brantford campus.”

Throughout the week, visitors are encouraged to bring donations for a collection drive for Third World Canada Adopt-A-Box campaign, which was established by Laurier Brantford alumna Maureene Ninham. Items being collected include non-perishable food, as well as clothing and items for children and babies (such as diapers and formula), to send to the fly-in community of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug.

For a full list of events, visit: www.wlu.ca/aboriginalawareness. All events are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Bonnie Whitlow at bwhitlow@wlu.ca.

Laurier’s Waterloo campus Aboriginal awareness week will be held March 12 to 16.

Contact:

Bonnie Whitlow, Coordinator
Aboriginal Student Support Services, Laurier Brantford
519-756-8228 ext. 5884 or bwhitlow@wlu.ca

or
Kevin Klein, External Relations Coordinator
Laurier Brantford
519-756-8228 ext. 5753 or kklein@wlu.ca