Lawrence Martin to Headline at "Sharing our Diversity Aboriginal Awareness Day" in Timmins High Schools

TIMMINS, ON: Students from O'Gorman High School, Timmins High & Vocational School and Roland Michener Secondary School will be in for a treat this month, when they have the opportunity to take part in Aboriginal Awareness Day. The event, called Sharing our Diversity, is scheduled to take place on September 20th and 22nd.

The event, part of the Timmins and District Aboriginal Partnership project, will bring together representatives from District School Board Ontario North East, Northeastern Catholic District School Board, the Métis Nation of Ontario, the Timmins Police Aboriginal Advisory Committee, the Timmins Native Friendship Centre and more.

Headlining the event will be Lawrence Martin, former mayor of Cochrane, who was born in Moose Factory. Martin will be speaking on September 20th at all three participating high schools.  Students will have the opportunity to learn about Martin's relationship with both his culture and various traditional activities on the land, and will be able to listen to stories through his use of song and guitar.

 "I want to thank the TEDC for taking on the task of bringing this event to the public, and especially to the schools.  I feel the need to learn about each other is so important; it will strengthen our economic state in the Timmins region, amongst other social and educational benefits," says Martin who will be talking about his vast life experiences which include Mayor of two towns, Grand Chief of Mushkegowuk Council, Manager/CEO of various organizations, Juno-award winning musician and businessman.

On September 22nd, a one-day follow-up workshop will be hosted by the Timmins Native Friendship Centre, and will be attended by students from each participating high school. The workshop will include Elder guest speakers, drummers, local Aboriginal organizations and many other culturally-relevant learning opportunities.

Sharing our Diversity is designed to celebrate Aboriginal culture by increasing education and awareness in our youth. The event will build bridges and cultivate increased dialogue and respect both in our schools and in the wider community. The organizing committee has been working tirelessly to help ensure the success of the celebration.

"The Timmins Economic Development Corporation is proud to be involved in the 1st annual Sharing our Diversity Aboriginal Day. It's our aim to give high school students the opportunity to learn more about our Aboriginal community by participating in activities that will highlight Aboriginal culture, heritage and achievements. In doing so, we can hope to build long-lasting and meaningful community relationships," says Timmins Economic Development Corporation Chairman Dave McGirr.

Sharing our Diversity promises to be a great event, and a wonderful way to kick-off the school year!

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Media Contacts:
 
Mike Buhler
Pastoral Care Worker, O'Gorman High School
Northeastern Catholic District School Board
Email: mbuhler@ncdsb.on.ca
Phone: (705) 268-4501, ext. 4205

Jamie Davey
Aboriginal Youth Liaison Officer (Central Region)
District School Board Ontario North East
Email: Jamie.Davey@dsb1.edu.on.ca 
Phone: (705) 266-5146