Annual festival draws tourists

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People came by the thousands to the 33rd Annual Seabird Island First Nations Festival, held May 24 to 26.

Festival co-ordinator Angie Chapman of the Seabird Island Band estimated that a record-breaking 10,000 participants and tourists came and went throughout the three-day event. There was something for everyone.

For sports enthusiasts, there were men's and women's ball hockey and soccer, and co-ed two-pitch. Youth soccer teams competed for trophies and T-shirts. Said Chapman, "We had 40 teams-it's the largest youth soccer tournament in the province."

Festival participants took part in the war canoe races, a decades-old tradition, as well as Slahal, a form of gambling enjoyed by the Sto:lo people. The traditional salmon barbecue, which Grand Chief Archie Charles and his family have been preparing for each of the 33 festivals, was enjoyed by many. There was also a youth dance, cultural exhibit and arts and crafts vendors.

New ideas were implemented for this year's festivities as well. "This is the first year we had face painting and someone making balloon animals for the kids," said Chapman. "They could also get their picture taken with the A&W bear."

Also new to the festival was the presence of the Pacific Peoples Partnership, which was on hand to promote awareness for environmental issues. "They were getting input from the kids at the festival," said Chapman.

Not only was the festival an opportunity for the Seabird Island Band to share its culture, but for other bands to present their traditions. The Nisga'a Ts'amiks Dancers and the Sto:lo Spindlewhorl Dancers both attended the festival to entertain and to showcase their talent and culture.

Chapman said she was amazed when she met people from places such as Mexico, Las Vegas and New Zealand. "They were in the area and checked out the tourist information and that's how they found out about the festival and they just came."

She said the tourists she spoke with were very pleased with the festival. "They said it was awesome and thought it was well put together. They've had a chance to watch so many other events going on in other places and they liked that they didn't have to pay admission."

By all accounts the Seabird Island Festival was a huge success and although the next one is a year away, it's already being talked about.

"Every year we have a meeting at the end of the festival with the different co-ordinators and we discuss things we can add for the next year," said Chapman.