Hundreds gather in border city to celebrate together

Page 3

Hundreds of people gathered to celebrate National Aboriginal Day at the Lloydminster Native Friendship Center. For many of the real traditionalists among the crowd, it was also a way to mark the sacred day of the summer solstice, a ancient ceremony celebrated for tens of thousands of years on the plains by the original inhabitants of these lands.

June 21 was officially declared National Aboriginal Day in 1996 by Governor General Romeo LeBlanc to recognize the outstanding contributions Aboriginal people have made to the growth of Canada, as well as their rich cultural diversity, heritage and achievements.

As well as drawing a large crowd from both Lloydminster and Onion Lake First Nation, over 200 students from local schools joined in the festivities.

The students were very enthusiastic about the program held inside and outside the Friendship Centre which featured an art show, craft demonstration, tipi raising, story telling, fiddle music and traditional dancing.

The celebration started with a prayer and blessing in Cree and included a special ceremony honoring high school graduates and a feather ceremony to thank board members of the Friendship Centre for their dedication and hard work.

During the lunch break, elk and bison burgers, along with freshly baked bannock made by some local Elders, were sold to raise money for the new Youth Outreach Program.

Twelve-year-old hoop dancer Desmond Opikikew entertained the crowd during the lunch break. His performance was followed by a demonstration of Metis fiddle music by Alan Cook and 12-year-old Ryland Bernier from Prince Albert.

The real highlight of the day was a large open-air Round Dance lead by Richard Thunderchild and members of the Onion Lake Dance Troupe including jingle dancer Delia Harper and fancy shawl dancer Chelsey Dillon.

It didn't take long for a large, enthusiastic crowd of students to join the Round Dance circle, spread out around the corners of 49th Ave. and 46th St., which had been blocked off for the festivities.

"It was very gratifying to see so many children from different cultures join hands and dance together, sharing the sound of the drum and traditional singing. It was the best part of the day," said commentator Brent Dillon.