Indigenous dancer taking part in Northern Prairie Indigenous Peoples Collective's event. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Educational & Fun Event

Indigenous celebration draws large crowd in Prince Albert

Aug 24, 2023 | 6:00 AM

Hundreds of people in and around Prince Albert recently took part in an event promoting Indigenous culture.

The Northern Prairie Indigenous Peoples Collective put on several activities at the P.A. Exhibition Centre on Wednesday.

This included First Nation drum teachings and Métis jigging classes.

Elder Liz Settee told paNOW it was nice to see an event that promoted all Indigenous people and their culture.

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“Quite often it would be like the Métis Nation (hosting) or (Prince Albert Grand Council), but this is a blend of everybody. We’re all Indigenous one way or another.”

One of the more popular activities was classes on how to make mini moccasins. Shawna Standingready was on hand to help kids try it out for the first time, something she was more than happy to do.

“I just want to be able to teach more people crafts, like how to do their own keychains or moccasins,” she said.

Shawna Standingready helping kids make moccasins. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

Several families were seen walking around the centre. This was the case for Desiree Primeau and her family as she was asked to come down by several of her aunties who were hosting some of the activities.

“I’m so happy they did something like this, especially for free as everyone gets to participate.”

The Bernice Sayese Centre’s daycare also came out. Jordan Zapotoczny, who was looking after all the kids, explained he thought it would be a fun, educational event.

“We want them to learn about the drumming, (singing), the dresses, and stuff like that.”

Meanwhile, it’s safe to call the event a success for the Northern Prairie Indigenous Peoples Collective.

The main reason they wanted to hold it was to ensure today’s youth can and want to learn more about Indigenous culture.

“Many of our children do not understand or recognize their own culture so we looked at holding this cultural day filled with exciting recreational and cultural activities to support our families,” said Janice Henry, president of the Northern Prairie Indigenous Peoples Collective.

Henry wouldn’t say whether the plan was to make this an annual event, however, she added they’ll continue to do what they can to educate as many people as possible.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow