By Katarina Ziervogel

Manito Ahbee Festival, is one of the most recognized Indigenous festivals on Turtle Island (North America) where all of the Indigenous peopleunify as one whole community to celebrate their heritage, arts, and cultures together. Manito Ahbee’s vision statement is to be a leader in building a respectful, long-lasting bridge between Indigenous culture and the world, and to develop a strong relationship between both. To achieve that relationship is to reach out and educate all the people they can about their rich heritage and the  variety of Indigenous cultures.

The value of youth education shouldn’t be underestimated as it is very impactful to children and teenagers. Education is an essential tools which should be everywhere, as it helps foster a better understanding of the world and its communities. Manito Ahbee Festival has one whole day dedicated to Youth Education Day, where all children and teenagers from schools all over the province gathers altogether to learn more about Indigenous culture and its heritage.

Sharing the knowledge of others’ cultures, traditions and rich history is important to this world, particularly to children, even if it comes from their own family. It is essential to continue the sacred knowledge of Indigenous cultures and heritage to ensure it’s not forgotten from history of humankind because it shares a great value to its people and to other people who are not part of it, but are welcome to keep it going onto the next generation and the next.