Tribal show a success

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"This is the way it should be. It should be friendly to everyone."

That's how Siksika Blackfoot Elder and Anglican minister Arthur Ayoungman summed up Tribal Day '97.

The Aboriginal showcase of culture, song and dance was held again this year at the Rafter 6 Lodge in the heart of Alberta' Kananaskis Country, on Sunday, Aug. 24.

Gate counts put the number of people attending the all-day event at about 700.

This was the fifth time the event has been held, and featured a very close up glimpse into Native life.

The majority of the people at the event were non-Native, and Ayoungman said it is important for people to better understand Indian culture.

"To me, all of this is very good," he said. "People need to know."

Several Aboriginal communities from across the province were on hand to pose for photographs and explain their culture to inquiring visitors.

The Red Thunder Dancers impressed the crowds with several different forms of traditional dance and music, while fashion shows, wagon rides and musical entertainment kept everyone, young or old, entertained. On the main stage, the audience was treated to performances from Native recording artists Amy Ward, Laura Langstaff, and Wendy Oti Walker.

Walker, who sings many songs about building bridges between people, said the number of non-Native people coming to Tribal day was very positive.

"I see that as an incredible sign. It offers me a great deal of hope.," she said.

All proceeds from the Tribal Day will go toward the upkeep of the Luxton Museum of the Plains Indian in Banff.