Dreamspeakers gets around

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The 7th annual Dreamspeakers Festival, running from May 29 to June 3, is going to be very hard to miss this year. Events associated with the showcase of Aboriginal performing and traditional arts, crafts and culture are scheduled to take place across Edmonton, from Hawrelak Park to the Citadel Theatre and the Eaton Centre downtown.

The performing arts show at Hawrelak Park runs throughout the May 29 weekend and will feature Metis dancers, New Zealand's Maree Sheenan and performing artist Eagle and Hawk. The schedule for the weekend is packed with performers, artists and crafts people.

This year, artists will be competing for awards at the festival. Dreamspeakers Marketing Manager, Jake Greyeyes, said the competition is a way of rewarding the participants for their work throughout the festival. Awards will be handed out to the best crafts people and the best artists.

Artisans taking part in this year's Dreamspeakers Festival are also being asked to donate an art piece to the silent auction.

The opening night of the festival features the Third Annual Aboriginal Film Awards. Starting at 6:30 p.m., the Awards are to take place at the McLab Stage of the Citadel theatre, with a fancy finger food reception to follow at the Tucker Amphitheater.

"The film awards are being held first this year. In the past, a banquet was held and not enough attention was given to the awards," said Greyeyes.

With Dale Auger as the host and numerous performers, including Mountain Song, Allpa Kallpa and Ulali, the evening sounds like an entertaining one. This year, the 1998 retrospect Starblanket honor will be given to Wes Studi.

Award presenters include Irene Bedard, Micheal Horse, Jennifer Podemski, Dakota House and Gary Farmer.

Farmer is also one of the nominees for Best Actor for his role in The Rez.

"It always surprises me when people think I'm good; I'm always surprised," said Farmer about the nomination.

Farmer was unaware of the nomination when called for comment, which might account for his surprise.

Helping people understand and gain entry into the performing arts industry is another aspect of the Dreamspeakers Festival. The Film Symposium is being held a the Delta Centre Suite Hotel, June 1-3. The symposium will offer workshops ranging from a beginners class on how to produce a music video to an advanced workshop about a national Aboriginal television network. The talent search and pitching session are also on the list for this year.

Nightly screenings of selected film award winners will be held at the downtown public library.

Dreamspeakers organizers say the wide range of events in different locations will help promote more of a festival feeling. Events held outdoors will be held rain or shine. Organizers have made plans in the case of early summer showers.

For more information call the Dreamspeakers Society at 451-5033.#