Students at Catholic Central High School in London District Catholic School Board celebrated Indigenous Maori culture with peers from across the school board.
Three Maori visitors from New Zealand were graciously welcomed for a visit on April 16. It was also the first public outing for the London District Catholic School Board’s Grand Confederacy Council. 16 additional students from all 9 secondary schools gathered for the Maori presentation.
Principal Paul Lamoureux was very excited to host the Maori guests, and music teacher Don Sills organized a vocal performance by students.
A formal welcoming ceremony in both the English and the Oneida language was also presented to the Maori visitors by Ray John. He presented the visitors with a friendship wampum belt. The Maori visitors presented a vibrant haka dance, and many greetings and prayers.
Following this, Confederacy Council student, Mekenzie VanBynen, brought special greetings to 200 Catholic Central students who arrived to the assembly specifically to meet the three special visitors.
The day was filled with sharing of indigenous language and heritage and was an opportunity for students from schools throughout the region to come together.
