PAGC Fine Arts Festival celebrates 32nd birthday

“I think it’s just their expressions and their attitudes,” she explained. “It seems like kids are different when they’re here. I’ve had teenagers, so I know what teenagers are like and they’re all so well-behaved here.”

Wednesday’s grand entry. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Through a variety of activities such as art, theatre, and dancing the youth get the opportunity to see life outside their home reserves and meet new people.

“I really don’t get a lot of feedback from the kids, but when I run into them when they’re older, I look at them and say, you remember me? I remember you. And that’s probably one of the things they remember a lot about their experience,” Tretiak said.

Wahpeton Dakota Nation Chief John Waditaka noted many of the kids that came to the festival go on to bigger and better things, such as university or some form of advanced education.

“And some then come back to lead their own communities,” he said.

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Waditaka noted the event gives youth an opportunity to understand what it is to step out in front of the camera, on the stage, and teaches them to have the courage to to showcase their talents.

“You know, there’s sporting events we have for our athletes and and we support them, but there’s also this group that is involved in literature, dance, music, and singing, and we need to create a venue for them.”

Prior to being destroyed by fire in 2022, the Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre once provided a venue space for the festival. Waditaka expressed his hope that when a new building goes up, the event can be held there.

“You know, we’re here for the time being and I give thanks to the Prince Albert Exhibition Association for allowing us utilize the center, as well as city of Prince Albert. You know we can’t discount the amount of money that’s spent in the city when an event comes to town.”

Some of the art work being showcased this week. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Prior to arriving at the exhibition centre on Wednesday, PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte met with architects in Saskatoon and they discussed plans for the new Senator Allen Bird building. He confirmed funding remains a challenge.

“Unfortunately something came up about funding being there and then all of a sudden it disappeared last summer, so that was a concern, but I am confident and optimistic that with our project team and with he chiefs, we can secure this funding.”

With respect to the timeline, Hardlotte said he still hopes to see the doors open in the next five years.

“We’re working hard with the government, but also we’re going after donations from mining companies and of course SIGA. There’s a plan in place.”

This year’s festival would not be possible without a long list of sponsors that includes PAGC, Northern Lights Development Corporation, Athabasca Basin Development, Novus Law Group, Orano, SSR Mining, Malcolm Jenkins Family Foundation, Laroche McDonald Insurance, MNP, SIGA, and the City of Prince -Albert.

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social

by Nigel Maxwell

PAGC Fine Arts Festival celebrates 32nd birthday

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