An event to educate and celebrate the culture of area First Nations communities will return this weekend, following a two year hiatus.
The First Nations Cultural Tourism event will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Maawn Doosh Gumig Aamjiwnaang Community Centre, located at 1972 Virgil Ave.
Tourism Sarnia-Lambton Product Development Coordinator Beverley Horodyski said the event, in partnership with Tecumseh Community Development Corporation, was first held in 2019.
"[We] had every intention of continuing it but then COVID hit so we had to put everything on pause for two years. So we're really thrilled to be able to bring it back," she said. "The first year -- we had a smaller crowd but we still had really good attendance and we know this year, our numbers will be greater."
Horodyski said the family-fun event is a great opportunity for residents to gain a better understanding and appreciation of First Nations culture.
Lambton County includes three First Nations communities: Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point, and Walpole Island.
The event will include drumming, singing, artisans, and food vendors.
"We also have a special feature, it's the [Anishinabe] Ojibwe Spirit Horses and they're coming from TJ Stables in Chatham. The horses have a historical link with Walpole Island and the First Nations people there," said Horodyski. "The storyteller will be part of that experience so we really encourage families to come."
Terry Jenkins, owner of TJ Stables, acquired the Ojibwe Spirit Horses in 2019.
It's believed that the Ojibwe horses are descendants of wild horses that members of Walpole Island used when hunting. Today, there are only 120 Ojibwe horses still in existence.
The event, sponsored by Shell Sarnia, is free to attend.