Toe-tapping fun - Dreamcatcher 2000

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Pump up the volume. Pump up the energy. That was Red Power Squad's assignment on the night of the full moon, Oct. 13, and that is exactly what the up-and-coming rap group did on the first night of Dreamcatcher 2000, the eighth annual youth conference held at Grant MacEwan Community College in Edmonton.

As the college gymnasium vibrated with thumping bass, every spin and stunt of the agile breakdancers elicited screams of delight and shouts of approval for the dynamic performers. Competition was fierce for the few free copies of Red Power Squad's new CD and poster, turning the previously calm audience into a churning sea of outstretched arms and hopeful faces.

Primed for a good night, the capacity crowd welcomed the Skidegate Haida youth group with enthusiasm. The much lower-key West Coast youth shared some of their traditional dances with their fellow conference goers.

Grand entry saw participation from Elder Joe P. Cardinal, who led the procession, and Edmonton Mayor Bill Smith. Youth groups displayed their banners proudly, announcing the communities from which they traveled.

Delegates gave the usual speeches, the typical welcomes, and then-embarrassment. An impromptu, irreverent version of 'Oh Canada'- complete with references to waging war and burning flag -was sung by young members of a theatre group promoting their play, leaving many in the audience giggling and delegates, standing in preparation to honor flag and country, hot under the collar. An uncomfortable moment that was only lightened with the performance of the swift-footed Metis cultural dancers of Edmonton. Members of the Dene hand drum group performed three songs, including a prayer song, and encouraged audience participation in a tea dance. The final performance was by traditional dancer Travis Dugas who spoke about his journey back to his culture and then played a song on a Native-style flute.

Audience members then lined up to shake the hand of each delegate. And if that was not enough for the first night of a weekend of workshops and activities for the more than 2,000 participants from across the country, including a talent show and Much Music Video Dance, the evening ended with a mini-powwow.