Concordia celebrates

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Travis Dugas, a traditional First Nation dancer emceed the March 1 Native awareness day festivities at Concordia College in Edmonton.

The event began with a blessing of the food for the feast by Isabel Auger and Frank Daniels. Then, Dr. Richard Kraemer, the college's president, welcomed everyone and acknowledged all those present.

As has been the tradition with most every Aboriginal awareness day, a feast - in this case a delicious stew and vegetables - was available at no cost to the public. Tea and bannock, too.

The first entertainment for the scores of visitors was the popular Edmonton Metis Cultural Dancers. They were followed by two speakers.

Howard Bruno, a cultural person who is active as a dancer, expressed the importance of culture, especially in urban centres. He also pointed out that, Aboriginal people should make a conscious effort to not lose track of who and what they are. He said people in the city tend to lose sight of their culture because of all the outside influences.

Russell Auger, the second speaker, echoed Bruno's remarks, and was critical of why some people lose their culture. He referred to the importance of traditional music, dance, and the Elders and their teachings, as the keys to Aboriginal freedom.

He encouraged people to, "revert back to the old way and talk to the old people again. Those are the things we need to understand about, who we are as a people. That's where freedom comes."

After the speakers, there was a grand entry of dancers who demonstrated the grass, traditional, jingle and fancy dances.

The festivity concluded with a brief round dance and giveaway.