VIDEO/GALLERY: 4 sectors’ pipes unite at Fine Arts festival

The PAGC’s four sectors include the Plains Cree/Dakota, Swampy Cree, Woodlands Cree, and Dene.

“We try to, and in the past we haven’t been successful, in having one pipe per sector, so that each of the sectors is represented at the grand council,” said co-ordinator Shona Stapleton.

“It’s what we had actually been talking about this year going back to the roots and working with all four sectors. We pulled it off, it’s awesome, it’s great.”

Stapleton said this is a symbol of inclusiveness. She said the pipe ceremony is meant to bless the week’s activities.

“This is all about kids having fun and meeting with each other and experiencing different things and just getting out there and showing their pride. That’s basically what we ask for is for the Creator just to watch over and keep the kids and the event itself good and successful,” she said.

As for why all four sectors’ pipes weren’t involved in past festivals, Stapleton said it’s a matter of “logistics.”

“Probably a little bit of cost and not being able to contact with the right times with everybody.”

The festival

For the first two days of the festival, elementary students competed. On Monday, the festival kicked off with exhibition powwows and dance competition. There was jigging, square dancing and country line dancing, Stapleton said.

On Tuesday, there were arts, literature, singing and drama competitions.

“It’s a lot of everything mixed into two days,” she said.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the older students will compete and Stapleton said the events are open to the public.

Next year will be the 25th anniversary of the festival and Stapleton said she wants it to be big.

“I don’t know, but I’m going to be reaching deep.”

sstone@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @sarahstone84

by Sarah Stone

VIDEO/GALLERY: 4 sectors’ pipes unite at Fine Arts festival

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