Saturday, June 21, 2008

Aboriginal Pow Wow & Gathering: June 21-22

The weather looks great so far for the first day of the huge Aboriginal Pow Wow and Gathering here in Peace River at Misery Mountain Ski Hill (if it turns bad, the Kinsmen Arena is the alternate site).

This is the 5th annual gathering and 13th annual pow wow, celebrating National Aboriginal Day. There are dancers, drummers, singers and fiddlers of all ages gathered here from the region, the province, and beyond to celebrate Aboriginal culture and pride. There are also activities for children planned.

Dozens of individuals, businesses and organizations are sponsors of the event, and it also involves many, many hard-working volunteers, recruited and coordinated by the regional Aboriginal Interagency Committee.

Mayor Callioux is participating in today's Grande Entry at 1:00 and I have the honour of doing that tomorrow.

At 3:00 tomorrow I'll also attend the celebration for First Nations, Metis & Inuit (FNMI) students who have graduated this year from local high schools. There are increasing numbers of Aboriginal young people who are achieving this milestone and the Pow Wow & Gathering is a great place to help celebrate and honour this accomplishment.

I encourage Peace River and area residents to come out and enjoy the costumes and some amazing dancing, singing and music (and food)! It won't matter what time you come between 12:30 and 11:00 PM today or tomorrow, there will be lots to do and see.

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