Celebration of Nations underway
Procession marks start of weekend events
Members of Canada’s diverse Aboriginal communities are uniting this weekend, sharing their “beautiful rich deep-rooted culture with everyone,” said Michele-Elise Burnett.
“We may have many similarities values, traditions and teachings, however, each nation is very unique,” said Burnett, who organized the second annual Celebration of Nations, continuing throughout the weekend, primarily at the Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines.
“Over the next few days, we unite as First Nations, Metis and Inuit, to share each other’s knowledge teachings, trials and tribulations as well as to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our artists.”
Following an early morning sunrise ceremony Friday, the three-day event got underway with a colourful Procession of Nations on St. Paul Street, inBanerji cluding representatives of different Indigenous groups carrying ceremonial eagle staffs and flags.
“This is so beautiful to see everyone coming together and celebrating all of our diverse indigenous nations, as well as all of our community here in Niagara and abroad,” she told the gathering of dozens of spectators following the procession.
“To have that many eagle staff carriers was such an honour,” Burnett later added. “That doesn’t happen that often. It’s really very emotional.”
Burnett said the idea behind the Celebration of Nations was to bring together Aboriginal peoples, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit. But that goal was not realized until the second year of the festival, when they were joined by Joshua Stribbell, representing Canada’s Inuit people.
Stribbell, the president of the National Urban Inuit Youth Council and a Youth Representative for the Toronto Inuit Association, will team up with Dr. Anna to discuss Inuit culture and history, as well as challenges the Inuit people continue to overcome.
“This whole weekend is just full of so many incredible highlights,” Burnett said.
The celebrations include several educational and awareness events, workshops to craft items like dream catchers and cornhusk dolls, several musical performances, and a Saturday night dance party with Classic Roots.
“There will be dancing all weekend, and also a lot great programing,” Burnett said.
“There’s a plethora of activities going on for children of all ages, and adults. There are a lot of interactive workshops this weekend.”
Several vendor booths were also set up, as well as food served by members of the Niagara Regional Friendship Centre.
Most events are free to attend. More information is available online at www.celebrationofnations.ca.