Happy Friday! This week sure went by quickly but I am definitely ready for the weekend, as I’m sure your students are too. Today I’m going to write about Aboriginal Awareness Week that’s coming up next week, October 17 to 21. It’s run by our Aboriginal Resource Centre on campus.

As an International Development student, I am really passionate about traveling and immersing myself in and learning about different cultures. Throughout the first three years of my undergrad, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to East Africa, Eastern Europe and Central America as part of social justice education and volunteer trips. Each were profound experiences and I learned so much from the communities I worked with. This summer, in an effort to learn more about my own country, I seized the opportunity to work in Northwestern Ontario in a First Nations community. I ran a summer program for the children and youth in the community and I enjoyed every second of it. I grew up in downtown Toronto so being in such a remote community was a huge change for me but I absolutely loved it and learned so much from the experience. I have since been learning as much as I can about our Canadian Aboriginal heritage, culture and communities and I am so pleased to be writing about this awareness week!

Aboriginal Awareness Week is open to all students, no matter their background. It aims to educate about Aboriginal culture, raise awareness about the Aboriginal Resource Centre and bring students together who are interested in deepening their knowledge of Aboriginal culture and heritage.

There are lots of great events events throughout the week. Click here for a list of all the events. I am going to tell you about a few that I think look really interesting!

•    Opening Ceremonies
Monday October 17, 2011; 11am-12pm in Branion Plaza (Rain location: ARC)
This is the kick-off for the week! Jan Sherman is a local Guelph First Nations community member, a storyteller, drummer/singer and culture keeper. She will be opening with a prayer and song. The Sacred Sevens Sharing Circle will also be presenting a drum performance!

•    Aboriginal Food Tasting & Performance
Wednesday October 19, 2011; 1130-1pm in University Centre Courtyard
This event is a feast and a performance! What could be better?! ARC and the Aboriginal Student's Association are offering the opportunity to taste Aboriginal food from across Canada including salmon, venison, wild rice and corn soup, Indian tacos and blueberry bannock! $5 for a plate, $4 for vegetarian! During the meal, a First Nations dance troop called Gadaihongwas 'Dancing Flower' will perform for us.

•    Aboriginal 101
Thursday October 20, 2011; 10-11am in University Centre 103
As described by ARC “All the things you wanted to know... But were afraid to ask!” Join Cara Wehkamp, Manager of the Aboriginal Resource Centre, for a discussion about Aboriginal culture and traditions.

•    Journeying Around the Medicine Wheel with Jan Sherman
Thursday Oct 20, 2011; 1-230pm at Aboriginal Resource Centre
Jan Sherman (who is also leading the Opening Ceremonies) will be sharing traditional teachings, stories and drum songs that reflect the overall Aboriginal worldview based on the Medicine Wheel.

I encourage one and all to check out the events next week! Remember that these are only a selection of the events. The full schedule can be found here. Aboriginal Awareness Week is a great way to learn more about Canada's Indigenous cultures and become connected to an incredible community on campus.

I hope you all have a great weekend!