The round dance is set to be at the Allen Bird Memorial Centre Saturday. (File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Northern Lights Casino

20th annual round dance this Saturday

Mar 4, 2020 | 12:49 PM

The Northern Lights Casino is ready to put on one of its biggest annual events.

The casino’s 20^th annual round dance will happen Saturday at the Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre. The doors open at 5 p.m. and the festivities start with a feast.

Northern Lights Casino General Manager Richard Ahenakew said the event is a good way to celebrate and reflect.

“[It’s a] positive celebration, to celebrate achievements of our staff and the work they’ve done throughout the year, basically taking time to remember all our staff that have passed on,” he said.

Casino staff play a big part in putting on the event as the majority volunteer their time to help.

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Ahenakew said the round dance will bring drummers from as far as North Battleford and Regina. He added the P.A. area is fortunate as there are many talented singers and dancers that reside here.

The casino’s round dance tends to bring out a diverse crowd. Ahenakew explained in past years there have been whole families taking part in celebration, with some going as far back as great grandparents and great grandchildren. Bringing such a diverse range of people together can also be important as it gives younger people the chance to learn about their culture, he said.

“Some of our younger people don’t have access to Elders,” Ahenakew said.

Two community groups are set to be at the round dance doing some fundraising. One of the groups will be selling tickets while the other will be operating the canteen. Ahenakew said the round dance is also a good way to give back to the larger community, which the casino general manager said is especially important.

“If you run any kind of business, if the community isn’t supporting you, you’re not in business very long,” he said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn