Maanjidowin is the Ojibwa word for gathering, the name of the festival. The event, which celebrates aboriginal culture and history, is free.

It will open with a Sunrise Ceremony followed by speeches and presentations as well as Métis fiddlers and jiggers, drummers and dancers. There will be a women's hand drum presentation plus a traditional Pow Wow, vendor marketplace, Inuit throat singers, a round dance, canoe-building, drum making, hand weaving and closing ceremonies.

There will be a chance to sample native food, such as venison sausage, bison burgers and strawberries.
The event is organized by Heritage Mississauga, Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, Credit River Métis Council and Peel Aboriginal Steering Committee.

The event is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the heritage of the people that lived in Mississauga.

About 10,000 people are expected to come out and experience the event. The festival was previously presented in 2005 and had about 5,000 attendees.

"From sunrise to sunset, the sounds of aboriginal history will come alive," said Jayme Gaspar, executive director of Heritage Mississauga. "It's a great chance for families to come out and experience native history and culture."

It runs 5:30 am to 9 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday.

See also www.mississauga.com/what%27s%20on/article/838997--festival-celebrates-heritage

For information about this gathering please contact Heritage Mississauga at 905-828-8411 ext. “0” or by email at info@heritagemississauga.org.