The Northern Aboriginal Festival is the result of collaboration between Laurentian University, Cambrian College and the City of Greater Sudbury. The Pow-Wow component of the festival was held on April, 4 and 5.
Both Laurentian University and Cambrian College have held their own Pow-Wows for several years, but Co-Chair of the festival for Laurentian University, Angela Recollet says teaming up with the city to hold the event meant being able to bring more people together. "It's about building bridges and building nation to nation partnerships."
Events At The Northern Aboriginal Festival.
Last year's inaugural event received a very positive response, according to Recollet. The participation, she says, was overwhelming, which prompted some new components to be added to this year's event. An Education Day was held on Friday, April, 3 at Tom Davies Square, for High School students in grades 9 to12, which featured keynote speakers, Waneek Horn Miller and Doug Bedard (AKA Plex). Booths were also set up, which provided the students with information about employment, health and wellness and Aboriginal arts and culture. With the added component of the Education Day, Joyce Helmer, Co-Chair of the festival for Cambrian College, says it creates an opportunity to, "strengthen our partnerships with the school boards."
A film night was held on April 4, which showcased three films which feature, and are produced by Aboriginal people. The three films featured were:
- Patrick's Story
- The Sacred Sundance
- Wapose Bay-The Hunt
A fashion show was also held during the Pow-Wow festivities, featuring the work of up-and-coming designers, such as 13-year-old Brett Recollet.
Supporters Of The Northern Aboriginal Festival
The festival has the strong support of the community of Sudbury, which include the president of Laurentian University, Dominic Giroux, Cambrian College's president, Sylvia Barnard, and Sudbury's Mayor, John Rodriquez. Some of these supporters spoke at a press conference held on March 31, to express the importance of holding events like the Festival.
"The strength of a community can be seen in an event like this," say Rodriquez. "It speaks to all of Ontario and all of Canada that we have come together in peace and harmony to share culture."
Joyce Helmer, who was speaking on behalf of Cambrian's president, Sylvia Barnard, said, "Cambrian College is committed to our learners and respecting cultural diversity, which is key to the success of this festival."
Celebrating The Cultures Represented In Sudbury
A festival such as this one is held not only to celebrate Aboriginal cultures, but to bring the city of Sudbury together to celebrate all the cultures that are represented here, says Recollet. "We are all one race, with so many beautiful colours, and that is what the foundation of this festival is built upon."
 |
 |
