By Taylor MacPherson

Drumming and dancing on display at PAGC Fine Arts Festival

Apr 5, 2017 | 5:00 PM

Prince Albert Grand Council held a grand entry celebration this afternoon to kick off the powwow dance exhibition and the dance competition portion of their annual Fine Arts Festival.

Festival Coordinator Shona Stapleton said the festival, now in its 26th year, drew more than 1,000 young people, eager for a chance to demonstrate their talents in a wide variety of categories.

“We have students and chaparones in from 26 of our 28 schools, totalling around 1,600-1,800,” Stapleton said. “The kids are just so responsive to this event. They start prepping for it in September and they come down in April towards the end of the school year, and they have a blast.”

The grand entry featured Young Eagle Cree, a drum group from Sturgeon Lake, as well as the Dene Drummers from Fond du Lac who performed heart and victory songs during the exhibition.

PAGC Vice-Chief Chris Jobb spoke to the young people in attendance following the grand entry, and told them to take advantage of the opportunity to grow their talents and create inroads with other First Nations.

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“Have fun, meet friends, create bridges,” Jobb said. “Keep on doing what you’re doing – you’re gifted.”

In addition to the powwow exhibition, Stapleton said the festival featured jigging, square dance, line dance and creative dancing categories. Drumming, choral and oratory performances were also on display at the festival, as were visual arts including sculpture, painting and crafts.

Stapleton said participating in the festival is a great way for young people to boost their confidence while developing their various talents and taking them to the next level.

“You see them develop their confidence and their self-esteem,” Stapleton said. “Some kids that are shy don’t want to go up in front of a bunch of people, and then a couple years later you see them again and they’re just right into it.”

The dance competitions run until late tonight, Stapleton said, and the festival officially wraps up tomorrow evening.

“If you want to see some good dancing, come on out,” she said.

Taylor.macpherson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TMacPhersonNews