The family-oriented Have a Heart Day was held at the Creating Centre de Créativité in Vankleek Hill on Sunday, February 15, celebrating Indigenous culture and traditional dance.

The event featured a display of Indigenous objects and artwork created by local artists, alongside Indigenous vendors, including Leah Andrades’ 2024 book, Leah’s Story. Andrades’ book explores a young Mi’kmaq girl’s dream of becoming a jingle dancer and the journey she undertakes to achieve it.

Leah Andrades and her book, “Leah’s Story.” Photo: Philip Oddi.
Copies of Leah’s book were available for purchase for $20. Photo: Philip Oddi.

Have a Heart Day also included drumming performances, Kahnawake Medicine Elder Tom Dearhorse speaking on grief and loss, Kahnawake Chief Stephen McComber sharing traditional knowledge on native plants and their seeds, and a medicine pouch workshop.

The day concluded with a performance by jingle dress and grass dancers.

Indigenous artwork and objects on display. Photo: Philip Oddi.