One of the rarest pottery tools was formed by aboriginals in Simcoe County, and visitors to the Gibson Centre can learn about the history of clay use in North America this month.

To celebrate National Aboriginal Month, Alice’s Attic at the Gibson Centre is presenting an educational session called Clay- The Aboriginal Way. Artisan Mo Bayliss will lead everyone through the history of clay use.

The displays shown are pottery artifacts, illustrations and information about everything from the era of pottery’s beginnings about 4,000 years ago, to local historic Woodland people. This exhibit is open for self-guided tours daily.

Bayliss is also leading fun activities Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will have the chance to reconstruct ancient pottery, bring and share their own artifacts or learn about the earliest paint-making techniques using common stones.

The Sunday programs are the pot shard puzzle June 8, paw print pendant June 15, artifact day June 22 and rocks for paint, pigment and glazes on June 29. Aboriginal artists will also be putting on a show, sale and demonstration June 29.

A reception celebrating and kicking off National Aboriginal Month will be held Fri., June 13 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Guided tours can be arranged and school groups are welcome. For further information, call 705-435-2828 ext. 24.