INNISFAIL - Members with the Golden Poplar District Girl Guides are doing their part to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday.
About 70 Girl Guides, from Sparks to Rangers (from five to 18 years old) and 15 adult guiders came together last month for a celebration of Canada at the Innisfail United Church.
The daylong event included Canadian games, crafts, culture, history, music and food.
"Most Girl Guides across Canada are taking part in some sort of programming for Canada's 150th (birthday) because it is such a milestone," said Marissa Wilson, co-commissioner of Golden Poplar District with Amanda Stemmler. "We do have a specialty badge that comes out this year as well to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday."
Wilson noted eight different program areas Girl Guides have to complete to acquire the badge, some of which the guides learned during the March 18 celebration.
"Some of it (requires) the heritage that they're learning here, the baking, the crafts, cultural activities and the games," she said, noting the beautiful spring weather. "The girls are having a blast. We definitely lucked out with the weather. We did want to do some snowshoeing, but the snow didn't stick around for us but it's nice to be playing in the sunshine instead."
Several activities included a singing session where guides learned about Canadian songs, artists, and crafts, as well as indigenous activities, such as bannock making and creating dream catchers.
Sara Taylor, 24, and her mother Gidgette have been involved in Girl Guides for many years and were two guiders helping out with the day. Both are Metis and were sharing their culture and traditions with members of the Golden Poplar Girl Guides.
"It's a joy to be here and share our culture," said Sara. "It teaches them who was here first and where they came from. Even if they aren't Metis it teaches them our heritage and our history in Canada.
"I think Canada's 150th birthday is a big milestone for everyone," she added.
Gidgette was helping Girl Guides make bannock, traditional Metis bread.
"We cook bannock at home just to eat but it's a tradition to have it with stew," said Taylor. "There's always bannock at any kind of family meal we have."
Wilson said the Girl Guides celebrated their centennial in 2010 and is happy to share an important milestone with their members.
"We have a bit of our own history that goes with Canada's so it's nice to share both sides together and watch the girls learn some new things," said Wilson.
Marissa Wilson, co-commissioner of Golden Poplar District
"Most Girl Guides across Canada are taking part in some sort of programming for Canada's 150th (birthday) because it is such a milestone."
