A pair of Ojibwe ponies stole a few hearts Monday at The Falstaff Family Centre.
The rare and critically endangered breed of horses were a special guest at events held for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Stratford.
The ponies reside at the Aspens Ojibwe Horse Sanctuary, owned by Dale and Sallianne Patch, who spent part of yesterday teaching guests about the ponies, raised by Indigenous peoples many years ago before being threatened with extinction.
Sallianne Patch said the horses are known for their calm, and it’s believed they absorbed the seven grandfathers teachings of Indigenous culture from being around Indigenous peoples in Canada for many years.
Oneida First Nation elder Patsy Day, said people in the area have shown over the last few events at the centre that they are interested in learning more about Indigenous culture and shared history.
“We all know the sad stories now and kids are learning that in school. But I like to think that they are going to also learn the good parts of Indignity. The ceremonies, the Ojibwe Spirit Houses. They are living, they are so alive and our culture is so alive and vital.
A number of events were held throughout the day at The Falstaff Family Centre, including Indigenous teachings and showings of Indigenous film.
Day said it was a chance for everyone to educate themselves about Canadian history.
“Hopefully because we have a shared history, we will have shared pride in a lot of the ways that we are going to be learning.”
