April 22, 2013
Media Release:
For Immediate Release
Sainte-Marie among the
Hurons
now open for the season
Sainte-Marie among
the Hurons is now open for the season and looking forward to welcoming visitors
from around the world to one of Canada’s National Historic Sites and Ontario’s
first European settlement. Sainte-Marie
offers a unique opportunity to explore the roots of Jesuit history in
Huronia. Originally founded by the Society
of Jesus (the Jesuits), the famous 17th century mission also now shares
a connection to the newly appointed Pope Francis, who is a member of that
religious order.
Sainte-Marie among
the Hurons offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors. Available free of charge in the Spring and
offered in 12 languages, guests can use Audio Tour Wands to hear the compelling
story of the 17th century community, providing a personalized tour
of the historic site. In the summer,
costumed Historical Interpreters provide fascinating daily presentations including
17th century fire starting, birch bark technology, historic cooking,
clothing, and blacksmithing demonstrations, and Aboriginal storytelling in the
atmospheric longhouses.
Special Events
continue to be a huge draw for visitors and Sainte-Marie has a great line-up
for 2013. The site celebrates National Aboriginal Day on June 21, featuring special hands-on
activities, Aboriginal music, drumming and dancing, and special programming for
school groups. The full event and activities
continue for the public during the Aboriginal
Festival June 22 and June 23, creating
a dynamic celebration of Aboriginal culture. Families can enjoy Canada Day July 1 with fun activities for kids and complimentary
Canada Day cake. Franco-Ontarian Day
September 25 will showcase French culture through story-telling and
special displays. A family favourite, the
popular Thanksgiving
Harvest Festival and Arts and Crafts Show runs
October 12 and 13, with over 40 outstanding
artisans and crafters. Rated a “Top 100 Event” in Ontario for five years
running, the spectacular First Light returns
evenings November 28, 29, and 30, illuminating the site with over 5,000 candles and featuring
Franco-Ontarian music, Aboriginal singing and drumming, a French Café, artisans
and re-enactors, community choirs, and much more.
A key part of
Spring operations is the hosting of thousands of school children for curriculum-related
education programs which began April 8 and will continue to the end of June. In early May, Sainte-Marie will also be busy
providing its Summer Interpretive Staff with an intensive two-week training
period as the historic site prepares for the full public season. The multi-faceted training program includes
historical information, tour guiding techniques, historical animation and
demonstration skills, health and safety, customer service, and working with
visitors with disabilities.
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is now open
weekdays to May 17, seven days per week May 18 to October 13, and weekdays
October 14 to November 1. For further information visit hhp.on.ca, or call 705 526-7838.
Sainte-Marie among
the Hurons is operated by Huronia Historical Parks,
and is an Attraction
of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
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Media Contact:
Bill
Brodeur
Coordinator
Marketing
and Media Relations
Huronia
Historical Parks
705
528-7692
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