Hundreds of students journeyed to the Senator Allan Bird Memorial Centre for the Prince Albert Grand Council’s Fine Arts Festival, where talented young dancers brought some serious powwow skills to the floor.
The festivities began with a grand entry. Mayor Greg Dionne and Councillor Don Cody were there, walking alongside PAGC Grand Chief Ron Michel. Both Michel and Dionne told the youth to cherish their past, and make it live through their culture.
“I feel proud,” Michel said. “It’s something that the kids will never forget. The kids will never forget who they are, speaking their language, doing their culture and doing the talents they have. No one will ever change that once they know who they are as First Nations.”
Dionne welcomed the students to the city. Some came from as far away as Fond du Lac, in the extreme north of the province.
“We want to thank the organizers, because this is a great event,” he said.
“If you don’t know where you come from you don’t know where you’re going… That’s why you should listen to your elders and your teachers.”
The four-day event features powwow and jigging competitions, as well as music, visual arts and literature.
More scenes from the Fine Arts Festival:
