Native restaurant has art, culture for Expo visitors

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VANCOUVER - A blend of Native food, art and culture will be featured at Expo 86, by the First Nations Restaurant. The doors of the restaurant will be opened on May 2 at the Folklife Pavilion.

An Indian art gallery and the presence of coast Salish Elders will be an added attraction. The elders will greet the visitors to the restaurant and share their culture.

Barbecued salmon will be the featured entree. Other menu items will include bannock, wild rice, buffalo meat and soapberries (Indian ice-cream).

Creations representing 23 tribal groups of B.. ranging from items of argillite, carvings, gold and silver jewelry, letter openers and 12 foot totem poles will be featured. Throughout the world exposition, Native artists will be in residence at the art gallery, Hall confirmed.

Sixty Indians will have seasonal employment at the First Nations Restaurant and crafts gallery.

Hall is enthused, noting that the Expo Skyride ends at the restaurant's door, and it is next door to the People's Republic of China. "They will be one main attraction to Expo, as the People's Republic of China has never participated in a world exposition before," Hall said.

The work of noted Native artists Vern Brown, Ron Peters, Bob Sabastian and Francis Horn will be featured in the restaurant, as well as in the gallery.

Hall has received commitments from the he Elders; Grandchief Wesley Sam, Soowhalie; Chief Cecil Malloway, Theachem; Chief Berns Mussell, Skwol Band; Chief Dennis Alphonse and his wife Philomena, Cowichan Band; Edna Grant, Musqueam Band; and Blossum Hall of the Skowkale Band.

The First Nations Restaurant is a partnership between Hal and Gunnar Bogel of Ambassador Industries.

Any inquiries about the restaurant or art gallery can be directed to the First Nations Incorporated, 73 Water Street, 6th Floor, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 1A1.