Feature stories

February 17: celebrating Aboriginal culture

Considered one of the most difficult and advanced dance styles in traditional Aboriginal dancing, the Hoop Dance is a beautiful story of the creation of life.  Dancing in colouful regalia, Alex Wells of the Lil'wat Nation holds the title of World Champion Hoop Dancer three times over. He has been dancing since the age of 13 and continues to share teachings on traditional values and culture. The story of life shown through this ancestral dance will be performed today at the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion to the beats of the Smokey Valley Pow-Wow Drummers beginning at 11:00am.

Then, experience the culture of the Lil'wat people — one of the Four Host First Nations — with a performance by The Iswalh Dance Group from Mt. Currie, British Columbia. This very special group is made up of dancers from all age categories – see toddlers to elders telling the stories of their culture through their traditional dances about expressing gratitude, celebrating dreams and Lil'wat traditions. During their performance each member wears traditional, handmade regalia — rich with history, bright with life. Also performing today are the Musqueam Warriors, who will perform a depiction of the Great Warrior named qewәpәlenәxw. The Musqueam Warriors is a dance group from the Musqueam Nation

The last daytime performance to hit the main stage at the Chiefs' House is Aboriginal R&B sensation Inez. She's of Stó:lō, Métis and Ojibwa heritage and has been described as the Beyoncé of Aboriginal music. With numerous Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Award (APCMAs) nominations and just as many wins, Inez Jasper, who simply goes by Inez, will be impressing the crowd at 2pm.

Tonight's evening programming, Plain Talking, is a real treat with a double performance from New Zealand's Soul Paua who is making their Canadian debut. The seven member band is named after the Paua Mollusc, a uniquely beautiful looking, edible mollusc, which was an important traditional food source for New Zealand's Indigenous Maori people. Similar to the beauty of from which they took their band name (Paua), their sound is described as a beautiful mix of Polynesian and Maori acoustic grooves. Soul Paua is a New Zealand Music Award nominated group that will be playing on stage in the Chiefs’ House with Canada's very own Kinnie Starr. Starr is a Juno nominated hip hop and alternative rock performer hailing from the city of Calgary. Don't miss out — there will be two performance at 9:30pm and 11pm. This show's all about the truth — no holds barred. It’s rock solid, solid rock with an eclectic, contemporary sound.

Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase

It’s a jam-packed day at the Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase today as three musical acts hit the main stage: songstress JB the firstlady, singer Janet Rogers and BC rockers Road Engine Dreams.

The Village will have an eclectic mixture of artisans including Art Charlie of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation whose booth will include wall plaques, replica paddles, jewelry boxes, miniature masks and for the card players, cribbage boards. If you are interested in bath essentials, come see Mother Earth Essentials' booth — they have handmade environmentally friendly bath products for purchase that will make your bathroom time a delight.

Also on site will be multiple, internationally export ready Aboriginal businesses to connect with during the next 11 days.  One of these businesses is the Cree Regional Economic Enterprises Company (CREECO). Their company mandate is to provide services and economic opportunity, employment and training with the goal of advancing the Cree Nation and attain self-sufficiency.