Teachers and students from across Southern Manitoba took part in historical cultural teachings Friday at Ginew School.

The school located on Roseau River First Nation held its annual Gathering of Friends Ceremony. The event gives participants the opportunity to take part in traditional teachings like leather stamping, beading, dancing, and wildlife tanning just to name a few. Ginew volunteers also held historical presentations regarding treaties and the indigenous way of life. The event ended with a pow wow featuring several area dancers and drum groups.

Vice Principal and Cultural Teacher Josephine Hartin said this was their 15th year celebrating.

Traditional leather stamping"Gathering of Friends originated when I had an experience in Brandon, Manitoba while I was attending University. I was invited to Neelin high School to take part in presentations by Sioux Valley. After that, I thought we could draw from our surrounding communities and do the same thing and this is what it has grown into."

Pearl Henry, the academic achievement coordinator, said that so many schools wanted to participate that they have to turn some away due to the amount of space the event can provide.

"We have seven schools attending today from places like Altona, Winnipeg, St-Pierre, Winkler, and Morris. Making these connections and friendships helps build a positive relationship with surrounding communities by sharing our rich culture and history, that's what today is all about."

Henry added that they tell the participants to take away as much as they can from the event and encourage them to share those teachings at home, school and in their communities.

"What we want to do is share as much of our cultural teachings as we can by drawing from our community members to teach and celebrate our history. When this event began their was very little shared with anyone outside and we just want to build those healthy friendships with our local communities and that is what it is about for me," explained Hartin.

Hartin added that it was important to honour and thank all the volunteers that helped to make the event a reality, noting several hours of preparation from members of the Roseau River community is what made the event such a success.

Sweatlodge demonstration

Beading practice

Instructions on how to tan wildlife hide