Port Moody's Rocky Point Park will be transformed into a First Nations arts and cultural festival this Saturday in what might be the region's largest event to recognize that indigenous people were on the scene long before Colonel Moody and CP Rail arrived.
At least that's the hope of PoMo Coun. Gerry Nuttall and members of the centennial planning committee organizing the first ever All Nations Festival and other events celebrating the city's 100th anniversary.
Donations support youth programs
The free or by-donation event highlighting First Nations art and culture and the achievements of local aboriginal youth was born out of a desire to recognize and honour the indigenous people who are often left out of community celebrations.
"[I thought] it would be a good opportunity to bring everyone together to highlight the importance of the indigenous people of this area," Nuttall explained.
Malcolm Key, SD43's aboriginal community program coordinator, was keen on the idea and, with the help of aboriginal leadership students, will be rolling out the All Nations Festival this weekend.
"We're trying to do more programs so that it's inclusive so our students and the community are coming together to share aboriginal culture in a more inclusive way," Key said.
Music, artisan market, crafts
Set for this Saturday, June 22 at Rocky Point Park, the cultural showcase will feature a traditional canoe arrival, an artisan market place, a salmon barbecue, dancers, poets and media arts, and crafts and fun for the children.
In addition to showcasing aboriginal arts and culture, the event is also a fundraiser for initiatives that will develop and support the education and leadership skills of students with aboriginal heritage, including an outdoor education trip to Costa Rica hosted by Outward Bound.
Key said the district's aboriginal program also wants to do more community events and is planning projects such as a Harvest Moon Festival around the time of Thanksgiving, a Winter Solstice dinner, after Christmas, and an Honouring Mother Earth Day, around the time of Earth Day.
"Were starting to go in the direction of being more inclusive so were not segregating aboriginal students," Key explained. As well, by focusing on First Nations arts and culture, the students learn to appreciate their heritage while sharing it with others.
What's happening:
All Nations Festival, 1:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 22 at Rocky Point Park, Port Moody; featuring First Nations arts, culture and food. Festivities begin at 1:30 p.m. with the arrival of dignitaries in a traditional canoe and continue into the evening, with an artisan market, salmon barbecue, teepees with storytelling for children and a digital display, dancers, poets, a hip hop and a DJ battle, crafting for children and an evening campfire.
The All Nations Festival celebrates Port Moody's centennial and is a partnership between the city and the School District 43 Aboriginal Education department.
The event is free to attend but donations are appreciated in support of aboriginal education outreach programs.
