First Nations Day a hit at festival

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The sun shone almost as brightly as did the entertainers during a First Nations theme day at the 26th annual Vancouver International Children's Festival, which took place May 26 to June 1.

Festival publicist Ellie O'Day said of the May 29 First Nations Day, "We honour the site we're on. It's old territorial land here on the inlet."

She explained that the festival's creative director Lindy Sisson implemented the theme programming last year and that it has been very well received. "It was packed," said O'Day. "All of the artists we had were wonderful and very professional."

The lineup of performers during First Nations Day featured such high-profile artists as Sandy Scofield and Larry Loyie.

In a world premiere, Scofield was at her best performing Turtle Tales: Songs and Stories from Across Aboriginal Canada, with Sophie Merasty and Shakti Hayes. The trio, dressed as Raven, Bear and Coyote, told traditional stories while singing in their own Cree, Saulteaux and Algonquin languages. With background musicians Pepe Danza and Duane Howard, the Turtle Tales sprung to life for an enraptured crowd.

Cree writer Larry Loyie, along with Constance Brissenden, read from the widely acclaimed book, As Long as the Rivers Flow, bringing the audience along for the fascinating ride of Loyie's childhood journey. He spoke of Ooh-Hoo, his family's pet owl, and of watching his grandmother defeat a grizzly bear "as tall as their house." It was no surprise that his presentation resulted in a sea of curious hands wanting to ask questions, such as, "What did they do with the bear hide?" and "How big was the gun?"

In the dance workshop tent, Michelle Olson, artistic director of Raven Spirit Dance Company, and fellow dancer Tasha Faye Evans shared traditional Yukon stories incorporating song and dance. Said Evans, "The dancers ranged from infant to 10 years old."

At the outdoor bandshell, Victor Reece captivated a large audience with traditional First Nations family stories, using masks and puppets. Reece, a well-known carver who graduated from 'Ksan in Hazleton, learned the fine art of storytelling from his grandmother.

Reece was followed by the Metis dance group, "Les Jiggeurs v'ni dansi," whose impressive performance had the audience clapping along to the Red River Jig and the Duck Dance, and quickly learning to sing the Cree alphabet.

Metis Elder Bob Kelly came on stage between songs and shared stories to fascinate young and old. Said one youngster during a story about a little bird on an eagle's back, "Mom, is that a true story?" His mother smiled and nodded, yes. By the end of the performance, the dance group had invited all of the children on stage to participate.

O'Day said the festival will bring back the First Nations theme day again next year.