A thousand students from Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent will have an opportunity to see something rare in this city on Thursday, an authentic Indigenous Pow Wow.
St. Clair College is hosting the event for students on Thursday and the public on Friday.
The college partnered with the University of Windsor, several Indigenous community groups, and school boards to hold the first event of its kind in Windsor in many years.
Art Barron at the College said more Indigenous students are reaching their academic and career goals than ever before and the Pow Wow will celebrate their gains.
"It's becoming the norm, which is a good thing," said Barron. "We're really excited to welcome more Indigenous students to St. Clair College and to the University of Windsor."
He said the event would give participants the full traditional experience, craft vendors, music, and cultural dances. At 5 p.m. on Saturday, there's a community feast.
"If people haven't seen a Pow Wow before, it is one of the coolest things you can see. It's such a unique cultural experience," he said. "The emcee walks you through the whole thing. Educational, but a super fun event."
Barron believes it is more important than ever for the general public to experience Indigenous culture, especially after unmarked graves were discovered outside several former residential schools across Canada.