Lakeland College hosted a round dance and Indigenous makers market at the Lloyd Ex to bring people together and promote healing.
“The round dance is a ceremony for healing, to honour ones who have passed on,” said Tanisha Young, manager of Indigenous support services at Lakeland College on March 19.
“We’re doing this round dance prior to the spring equinox to bring on a good spring.”
Read more: Games and culture go hand in hand
Students from the Indigenous Student Council organized the market to fundraise for their year-end cultural trip.
“It gives our students and our council something to work towards,” said Emry Marchand, a member of the council. “It helps us put on a little event in the community.”
The event included art, beadwork, clothing and handmade goods from Indigenous makers.
“The important thing is being able to see all those different art pieces, beading and skirts,” said Marchand. “It’s just cultural art and being able to take some home with you.”
Cynthia Young, co-chair of Heart of Treaty 6, said the round dance is also about learning. She hopes events like this inspire people to learn more.
“It’s nice to have that confidence if you do get invited to one to say, ‘Oh yes, I do know what to do,’” said Cynthia Young. “I want them to plan to learn more about my culture and all the beautifulness about it.”
Todd McLean of Cenovus Cares was one of many volunteers at the event.
“For myself, there’s a bit of reconciliation and just learning the culture,” said McLean. “It just moves me.”
McLean said Cenovus Cares donates to local charities when employees volunteer.
“If two Cenovus employees show up as volunteers, a week later, that organization will get a check for $1,000,” said McLean.
Tanisha Young said the round dance is also about building community.
“It’s a time to put differences aside and come together as a community,” she said. “I want people to know they’re welcome at the ceremony.”
Marchand said the event is about more than fundraising.
“It’s important, like a reconciliation moment,” said Marchand. “We have Indigenous people here, we have non-Indigenous people from all kinds of backgrounds. It just brings people together and I love that.”
Read more: Lakeland hosts Indigenous holiday market
