(Information submitted by Huronia Historic Parks)
The historic site of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is the ideal place to celebrate National Aboriginal Day! If you haven’t yet visited Sainte-Marie, this event is a wonderful introduction to one of the hidden treasures of Midland in Simcoe County.
Taking place annually on June 21
st, it coincides with the summer solstice and is an event all ages will enjoy. It’s a celebration of the vibrant cultures and time-honoured traditions of our Indigenous people, and pays tribute to the contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
This fun daylong event features activities for the whole family. There are live performances with the Red Spirit Drum & Dancing Group and John Somosi hand drumming. Try your hand at bannock making, sample Indigenous foods in the Sainte-Marie cookhouse, make and play the “ring and pin” game, check out the lacrosse demonstrations, and learn about the traditional planting of “The Three Sisters” (corn, beans, and squash). Visitors are also treated to the demonstration of waterway locks and traditional fire starting.
Will Baird, General Manager of Huronia Historic Parks, says it’s one of the site’s most appealing events for visitors as it’s a hands-on celebration of a significant part of our Canadian Heritage. He explains further by saying that “National Aboriginal Day at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is one of our most engaging and entertaining special events. Our entire site is energized with the sights and sounds of dancing, drumming and the celebration of Indigenous culture. Visitors are captivated by the traditional, hands-on activities and crafts including corn husk doll making and the authentic food demonstrations”.
All are welcome to attend and participate at this dynamic celebration, which runs from 10am to 5pm. The admission fee of $12.00 per person, well worth the price, includes the added bonus of access to the historic site’s buildings and costumed interpreters, demonstrations and the museum at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. And, great news for parents of toddlers. There is no admission fee for children under five.
Visit the
website for more details on this event and this gem of an historic site.