It’s time to celebrate our Aboriginal roots.
The Good People Aboriginal Festival begins today at the Grey Roots Heritage Centre near Owen Sound.
The one day event has expanded into a three day Festival after Grey Roots received funding from the Ministry of Tourism.
Heritage Interpretation Co-ordinator Petal Furness says the event marks the importance of recognizing the culture of First Nations people in the region.
There are a number of activities planned over the course of the weekend.
People can view aboriginal music, dance and drumming as well as medicine wheel teachings, games, art, crafts, food, film and storytelling.
Today marks Education Day where thousands of school children will visit Grey Roots to learn more about the Aboriginal culture.
Furness feels they have done a good job representing local First Nations as elders and dancers are coming from Cape Croker and Saugeen First Nation.
There will also be a sunrise ceremony at 6 AM all three days and a traditional fire will burn through the entire festival.
Over the course of the weekend — you can also view the construction of traditional wigwam and birch bark canoe.
Furness feels more and more people are learning the history of Aboriginal people in our region.
Grey Roots also plans to launch a new Aboriginal exhibit for next year’s Festival.