Experience the people of a time long ago

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Imagine walking down a path and entering a small clearing by a creek. You sit down to a meal of buffalo, bannock, berries and other Native traditional dishes. After your meal you walk down another trail and come to a clearing. Dotting the horizon are tipis. You take a seat and for the next few hours you travel back centuries to when the buffalo roamed and Indians rode bareback.

From July 14 to 17, among the rolling foothills of southern Alberta, about 45 minutes outside of Calgary, a Native theatre group called Mamawi, which is Cree for all together, will perform under the big sky. Authentic regalia, bareback riders, dances to the sounds of drums, and, filling the air, are calls once made by the Aboriginal ancestors. The group will be re-enacting scenes of Aboriginal men hunting, recounting traditional stories, legends and the precontact history of a complex people.

"Some of us started out to do Native dances and songs in a few theatres in Calgary. Something seemed to be missing, so we decided that it needed to go back to the land, under the skies, just as when our ancestors roamed," said Dale Auger, producer and director of the production.

For $50, guests will get to see how the Aboriginal people used to co-exist with nature and live on the land.

"The production consists of performers from different nations, as in the Blackfoot, Peigan, Cree and others. We all learn from each other," said Auger.

"I did not have to advertise to get the dancers or have to audition them. Somehow they found out about the production, mostly from friends and, or family members," said Auger.

This the fourth year the group has performed under the name of Mamawi. Some of the members of the production group were part of another group that entertained in high schools, colleges or at the university in Calgary. The group's goal is to educate the younger generation about Aboriginal culture. By doing so they hope it will keep the Aboriginal culture and traditions alive.

"It is our responsibility as Aboriginal people to keep our traditions alive and going," said Auger. "For many years, people viewed our culture as primitive and uncivilized. We were stereotyped as a bunch of people running around and throwing spears into the bush. That is not who we are. We were a highly sophisticated and functioning people. We are a group of people who should be proud of our heritage and where we came from," he said.

Auger said many reserves have a high percentage of youth and most of the Elders are leaving, so it is time that the younger generation is taught.

"Instead of Nike and other major corporate companies teaching our youth how to dress and act, why not teach our culture to be proud of who they are," said Auger. "It is not just about simulating our history. It is about teaching and bringing an awareness of the culture that we've stored up for many generations. It is time that we bring it out and let people know who we are. A lot of people only see the Hollywood version of who Aboriginals are. Seeing the realism of our shows can be quite an experience," he said.

The show can accommodate up to 500 people each night. Corporate businesses generally working and dealing with the Aboriginal communities have attended. Our doors are open to everyone. We would like the youth to come out and view the traditional ways of the past," said Auger.

At one of the performances last year, the group entertained residents of a seniors' home who were overwhelmed at learning how Aboriginal people once lived, hunted and entertained. Some of the seniors asked to stay overnight with the cast and crew. The group stays in tipis during the performances.

"My wife and I both graduated from university. We both believe that education is important. So is an education in our Aboriginal culture," said Auger. "All people were born with the knowledge of their ancestors. We've stored a lot of information. It is time that we bring it out and share it with our youth," he said.