To celebrate National Aboriginal Day a pow wow was held for the first time in the area. The event was entitled Unity Pow wow , with the hopes of drawing to the attention of the G8 leaders the desire for peace and unity among all nations while also celebrating the First Nations culture and people in the area. Despite the intense sun (wow was it hot!) there were vendors, artisans, forums, and lots of dancing.
Before the opening ceremonies we had the chance to walk around and watch some crafts being made. We were blown away by the talent of one woman in particular who kindly demonstrated for us how to use porcupine quills to decorate and create birch bark containers. She shared with us how the quills change over the seasons, spring being the best time to collect them. The importance of soaking them for just the right amount of time and the perfect ingredients for natural dyes. Her boxes were so detailed and beautifully crafted.
The actual opening ceremony was long and drawn out. Every dignitary and community leader took the opportunity to address those in attendance, which took a long time. There were flags from all the communities brought into the arena (a circular area roped off for the ceremony, with the drum at the centre under a wooden structure), honouring the leaders, veterans, service providers and the community.
The event was physically nestled among rock cliffs and trees. It was just right. We are hoping it is a yearly event.
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