Feature stories

February 26: Atlantic Policy Congress - Wabanaki Showcase

Come enjoy the Wabanaki Showcase – Celebration of Cultures with the people of the dawn. The Wabanaki are composed of the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot First Nations whose traditional territory is now known as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Gaspe Region of Quebec and Maine. The showcase features traditional songs and dances of the Wabanaki people set to powerful drum beats. The performance also features a lesson in the game Waltes, a dice-like game they have played for hundreds of years.

Every day from 3:30pm and to 7:30pm, the Four Host First Nations is proud to present We Are Here at the Chiefs’ House — a spectacular 360 degree multimedia experience featuring the driving beats, vivid sights and compelling stories of Aboriginal culture across Canada.

Take a journey that delves into what it means to write about the Indigenous identity for the latest edition of the Evening Performance Series: Theatre of the Soul. The first act is Joy Harjo with Larry Mitchell. Joy is a profound author and a well-known voice of Aboriginal women across North America and beyond. She’s a playwright, a poet and recently won a Native American Music Award for her latest CD release with guitarist Larry Mitchell. Drew Hayden Taylor is featured in the second act. He’s a playwright, a humourist and a prolific writer who just so happens to be releasing a brand new book at the Chiefs' House.

Every night during the Winter Games the Four Host First Nations presents Lounge Nights at the Jack Poole Hall from 9:00pm to 12:00am. Sample a fusion of traditional Aboriginal food and contemporary cuisine including the chef’s famous bison sliders with sautéed wild mushrooms and Salt Spring Island goat cheese. Sit back and relax with a glass of wine and catch the evenings’ Olympic programming on our flat screen televisions.

Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase

Meewasin Oma is a traditional native church singing group from the Red Pheasant Reserve in Saskatchewan. At 11:00am they perform on the Aboriginal Artisan Village Main Stage. Singing in a capella style, they were nominated for a 2007 Native American Music Award in the Native Church category. The 3:00pm show features classically trained cellist Cris Derksen. Known for her captivating melodies and steadfast baselines, this half Cree musician uses a loop station and effect pedals to create an inspiring multi-dimensional auditory experience. Edmonton based DJ Creeasian rocks the house at 6:00pm.

Only three days left to check out the wide variety of Aboriginal artists at the Artisan Village. Kwakwaka'wakw artist Cheryl Wadhams sets up shop today for three days. Wadhams is a traditional woodcarver, painter and crafter known for her beautifully intricate carved bowls and masks with strong lines and vivid colours.