Hawklene Lawton, left, presents Teyotsihstokwathe Dakota Brant, Miss Indian World, with a piece of art at a recent event at Pond Inlet.

The Tecumseh Centre for Aboriginal Research and Education hosted a Dinner and Drum Social this month to honour Aboriginal women in education.

The event held on March 1 in Pond Inlet. It featured Miss Indian World, Teyotsihstokwathe Dakota Brant, who discussed Aboriginal women in education and the importance of bringing culture and language into our educational experiences.

The event began with a buffet-style dinner and was followed by Miss Indian World’s presentation. Performances by Jingle Dress Dancer, Adrienne Smoke, and Hoop Dancer, Nicole Shawana followed.

Finally, the Whitefish Jrs. facilitated a Round Dance Social and offered teachings on both the Cree Round Dance and Haudenosaunee Social Dances.

The event was well attended by both the Brock community and the Aboriginal community, which included the youth group from the Niagara Regional Native Centre. Door prizes were drawn throughout the evening including pottery by a First Nations artist and other handmade traditional crafts.

The Tecumseh Centre will be hosting a similar event on Tuesday, March 22 to present the research on the development of an Aboriginal women’s certificate program.

Contact Jennifer Brant at jbrant@brocku.ca for more information.