This local elementary school went all out to celebrate National Indigenous History Month

Anishinaabe drum groups, dancers and members of the public came together at East View Public School Friday for the school's annual pow wow. 

The theme for the rain-or-shine pow wow was 'honouring the water.'

More than 50 dancers were registered for the event, which featured performances by five invited drum groups: Mission Hill, Warrior Bear, Giigidoo Nimkii, Miigwaanenhs and Nimkii Aanakwat. 

A number of locals held specific roles for this year's pow wow, including: 

• Darrell Boissoneau, MC
• Thecla Turco, Head Veteran 
• Beej Syrette, Arena Director 
• Georgia Abel, Head Female Dancer
• Wiingashk Shawana, Head Male Dancer

The pow wow at East View Public School is held at the beginning of June in order to kick off National Indigenous History Month, which is viewed as an opportunity for Canadians to learn about the cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. 

The House of Commons originally designated June as National Aboriginal History Month in 2009. The name was changed to National Indigenous History Month in 2017, according to the Government of Canada website.