City gathering held

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United Native Nations held a signing ceremony on Aug. 29 in Blood Alley in Gastown, which is the alley at the 30 block of Cordova Street.

The unusual venue was chosen to highlight a partnership witnessed on that day by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups, agencies and government representatives, who have elected to work together for positive change in the Downtown Eastside.

The public was invited to what was billed "a family and community event, with traditional regalia, drums and music." A feast of course was part of the afternoon event, following the signing ceremony.

They began at noon with a grand entrance by veterans and Elders. An announcement followed recognizing the Elder King and Elder Queen chosen this year at the July Elders' Gathering at Saanich. They are Gitksan Elder Ken Harris and Cree Nation Elder Margaret Harris.

In addition to United Native Nations representatives, the signing ceremony included speakers Chief Dwight Dorey of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples; Stephen Owen, Liberal MP for Vancouver Quadra; Don Lee, deputy minister for the city of Vancouver; and Jeremy Berland with the Aboriginal Strategy & Community Services Branch, Ministry of Children and Families.