Thousands celebrated Indigenous culture on Thursday at Lambton College's 30th annual Pow Wow.
The event was held at the Athletics and Fitness Complex and kicked off with the traditional grand entry.
There was traditional food, vendors and information booths about Indigenous culture.
Director of Indigenous Education Jane Manning said the Pow Wow is a great opportunity for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to come together as a community.
"The Pow Wow is a great supplement to [education]. It's a great addition to that type of learning, which is coming out and participating, showing support and learning and celebrating with First Nation people," she said.
Over time, the Pow Wow has been able to utilize technology to bring in the public.
Manning said the college has been able to use different social media vehicles.
"With social media then there's the opportunity to communicate event that much more wider and broader and letting people know they're welcome to attend," she said.
Manning added there has also been an increased interest in the event.
"[There's] been an increased sense of responsibility from a non-Indigenous lens on how they can be a part of that allyship and knowing that is coming and participating and supporting," she said.
According to Manning, this is seen through elementary and secondary schools.
There were students of all ages attending this year's Pow Wow.
Lambton College President and CEO Rob Kardas said the Pow Wow is always an exciting time of year.
"It's such an exciting day to see that gym transform into this wonderful cultural event that I think helps a lot of us reflect and appreciate," he said.
During the Pow Wow Kardas spoke on truth and reconciliation.
He said the college is addressing the calls of action and how to address them.
"I think the Pow Wow is just one of many things that are ongoing that we can be doing to give a little bit back on what was taken originally and to recognize and just appreciate the culture and where we live," Kardas said.
Currently, there are more than 200 Indigenous students at Lambton College.
The college will also be opening their new Indigenous Outdoor Gathering Space this year.
Construction is supposed to be finished this summer and a grand opening will be held this fall.
The hope is to possibly move the Pow Wow outdoors, weather depending at this space.
"It would be beautiful to have an outdoor Pow Wow, but we're also mindful that we also have limitations because our Pow Wow is typically offered in the first week of April and the weather can be a little bit uncertain," Manning said.
