Dancers entertain world CEOs

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Promoting and sharing the Blackfoot culture was one reason why the Parks Canada Agency invited local dancers and drummers to attend the World Protected Areas Leadership Forum on June 6 at the Banff Centre.

Alan Latourelle, chief executive officer for Parks Canada, said Canada hosted CEOs from 15 countries to exchange views and best practices in terms of parks systems. Latourelle said the international delegation, representing Finland, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Kenya, France and Chile, requested to see authentic Indigenous culture from their host country.

"The delegation was quite impressed with the Siksika dancers and singers and it really touched them," he said.

Eulalia Running Rabbit, the Siksika interpreter who conducted the presentation, introduced different styles of dance, including the jingle dress dance. Deannette Hunt, the 13-year-old 2005 Jr. Princess for the Siksika Nation High School, performed.

"I think it is important that events such as this one, which gathers an international delegation, Siksika should take the opportunity to promote our nation and our culture," said Running Rabbit.

Other dancers included Clifford Many Guns, Steve and Melodie Hunt with their three children, (Deannette) Kristian, 10, and April Rose, three. Turning Robe Drum helped the dancers out.

Debbie Miller, senior communications officer with Parks Canada who works closely with Siksika Tourism, said Parks Canada wanted the people coming to Canada to experience the First Nation culture.

" The dance performance was exceptional and it was a way to get the word out, of the involvement the Siksika Nation has with Parks Canada and specifically with the Banff National Park," she said.

Based on a survey given to the CEOs, Banff was the preferred location to host the forum. Australia, Finland and South Africa have hosted this event in the past. Over the three-day event, CEOs looked at such issues as the impact of tourism on parks and how to use traditional knowledge or science for better decision-making. They exchanged perspectives and lessons learned.

Alan Latourelle said the president of the Travel Association of Canada noted the one thing that Canada has that is different to most countries is its relationship with Aboriginal people and their contributions to tourism.

"Each year we get 26 million visitors to our parks and sites in Canada and I think there are great opportunities here," said Latourelle. "I've been discussing with my Aboriginal consultative committee, which consists of chiefs and Elders from across Canada, on what is the best way in giving the visitors the opportunity to experience Aboriginal traditional culture. With the Siksika dancers here to perform, and their tourism representative in attendance, this is a perfect opportunity and timing to promote the Siksika Nation Interpretive Program here in Banff and the opening of the interpretive centre on the Siksika Nation."