Tim Collins/Victoria B次元官网网址
On Friday (June 16), a group of traditional canoes will depart from Songhees Point near the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort and make a symbolic journey to the Inner HarbourB次元官网网址檚 Commonwealth Corner.
ItB次元官网网址檒l make for a dramatic opening to the fourth annual Aboriginal Cultural Festival, being held on the grounds of the Royal B.C. Museum, but thatB次元官网网址檚 only the beginning.
Each canoe will carry dignitaries and youth of visiting and host First Nations, each of whom will help mark the beginning of three days of celebrations of aboriginal culture, language, values and cuisine.
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The canoes will be met by event hosts, Songhees Nation Chief Ron Sam and Esquimalt Nation Chief Andy Thomas, who will lead the traditional protocol and opening ceremony. A parade of First Nations will officially launch the celebration.
Paula Amos, Aboriginal Tourism VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 manager of regional initiatives, said the event will spotlight the diverse nature of First Nations culture in Victoria and beyond.
B次元官网网址淏.C. is home to more than 60 per cent of all First Nations languages in Canada. We have 60 dialects of more than 34 languages,B次元官网网址� she said.
The festival is also an important event to build the relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples, she added.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 all about building bridges between our respective communities,B次元官网网址� she said.
Building those bridges was part of the inspiration for the first gathering.
B次元官网网址淲e realized there was a gap in the festival schedule in Victoria and a need to show off the broad variety of First Nations cultures in the province. We have this rich heritage and we needed to give it a showcase,B次元官网网址� Amos said.
As part of the opening ceremonies, Mayor Lisa Helps will declare at 11 a.m. that Victoria is an official city of reconciliation with the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. Amos said itB次元官网网址檚 a major step to establishing the theme of mutual respect the festival hopes to foster.
The main stage venue in the museumB次元官网网址檚 plaza will host more than 100 performers from across B.C. and around the world, who will tell the story of their heritage through dance and song.
Special guests, HeWaka Kottuia from New Zealand, are performing for the first time in Canada in a much-anticipated appearance, and well-known hoop dancer, Alex Wells, will take the stage to amaze and enthrall audiences with his intricate styling of this unique art form.
Authentic First Nations arts and artist demonstrations will take place at the adjoining Indigenous Arts Marketplace. Visitors can sample and purchase a wide variety of traditional and modern fare, including West Coast clam chowder, fried bread and barbecued sockeye salmon.
Tours of the Bonaparte Nation Mungo Martin House on the grounds will also be available.
Traditional dancers will be on hand throughout the festival, with representation of several First Nations and even a dance group representing the Maori of New Zealand.
Admission is free. For more information, visit
