Katzie First Nation welcome addition to festival

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There was wind, rain, hail and breaks of sunshine, but most of all there was fun. The kind of fun that goes on regardless of the elements. The kind of fun that attracts 10,000 children and their parents to take part.

The McDonald's FunZone Children's Festival was held in Maple Ridge May 2 to 4. And for the first time in the nine-year history of the event, the local Katzie First Nation took part. Offered as part of the Ridge Meadows Home Show, which drew an estimated 36,000 people, the Children's Festival was the biggest and best ever, according to sponsors, organizers and festival-goers.

The Katzie people brought with them their 40-foot dug-out canoe, which was launched last June on National Aboriginal Day, so youngsters had a chance to take a seat in the enormous creation.

A tent was set up where Katzie youth and Elders taught beading and spoke about their culture.

Katzie Elder Agnes Pierre said, "The whole purpose was to introduce our arts and crafts to the community." She added, "People were very interested to hear about the weavings. Originally our blankets were made from mountain goat wool, but because it is no longer plentiful we've gone to sheep wool. People were surprised to hear that our ancestors used the blankets to cover the walls to keep warm."

Pierre, who works with children at the nearby Golden Ears Park outdoor education Longhouse, was happy to talk to the many people who had questions for her. "The children took delight at making the bracelets and even tried making the cedar baskets," said Pierre.

Festival co-ordinators Ruth Wilson and Annika Polegato were thrilled at the success of the event.

Wilson said the Katzie's presence fit in wonderfully with the Festival. "It was cultural, educational and interactive," she said. "The kids were in awe of the canoe, and for them to be able to talk with the Elders and make bracelets was fantastic."

Even the onstage performances of Smoke Signals & Blackfish were interactive, with drumming, singing and friendship dances. The six-member band sang a birthday song to a four-year-old youngster. After the performances, children rushed up to the stage after being invited by the band to try out the drums. Said Wilson, "The drumming was awesome. It was one of those things where you take a deep breath and just say, 'wow.'"

The Katzie have agreed to be involved in the Children's Festival again next year.