On Friday schools in the region gathered at Ginew School to learn about Anishinabe culture.

Pearl Henry has been working for the Ginew school for 21 years and is the Home School Coordination & Counsellor. She says they receive requests from schools to attend the event months before the registration date.

Pearl Henry, Home School Coordination & Counsellor at Ginew School

"It seems to be growing more and more every year," said Henry, noting they have about 13 presentations about Roseau River First Nation culture and lifestyle, as well as the history of Anishinabe life.

For example, Henry said one session talks about Pow-Wows and information that some may not know.

"We talk a little about why we dance," she said. "There's a lot of behind the scenes details. There's praying going on while they dance, they dance for people who can't dance... as well, the dancer dances for himself and his family."

Throughout the day presenters spoke about hunting & trapping, sweat lodges, residential schools, the Ojibwe Language, dancing, traditional medicine, and treaties. Students also took part in activities such creating leather press crafts, stick games, drum making, and moccasin games.

"We want to share the beauty of our culture, our traditions," said Henry. "We want to break down those barriers. We want to make positive connections, we want to educate about our treaties, our way of life, it's a really beautiful life."

Students from Ecole Morden Middle School were in attendance and said it's important to learn about other cultures because it connects people and builds friendships and understanding.

The students said they enjoyed learning about the sweat lodge, healing medicines, and drum making.