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Aboriginal Day hosted by Canim Lake Band

Everyone welcomes to observe, learn, celebrate heritage
17583100mileweb2014-06-21CLBCherylArchie04
At the Canim Lake Band Aboriginal Day Festivities

The Canim Lake Band celebrated its annual Aboriginal Day on June 21, with the open invitation to folks by hosting cultural events and displays at the Eliza Archie Memorial School for everybody to observe, learn and celebrate CLB heritage.

On offer were traditional foods and medicines, as well as learning booths for dream catcher and drum making, photographs and information on various aspects of life of CLB residents, including fishing, trapping and hunting in particular.

Two more tables containing the loonie auction and bake sale were set up with all proceeds going toward the Lahal Tournament on July 5.

The Bannock Making Contest took place in the school kitchen and was open for beginners and more experienced participants. A delicious Indian Taco lunch was also available, prepared and served by North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) athletes and parents.

Visitors were treated to traditional drumming and chanting, as well as dancing by performers of all ages, dressed in colourful costumes. The young ones could choose between finger painting and other games specifically set up to entertain them.

The final feature of the day was the Amazing Rez Race. Groups consisting of children and adults were given a number of clues to find and decipher as well as tasks to complete, for which prizes were won.

This first day of summer turned out beautifully. The event was well attended with people wandering from booth to booth, trying their hand on crafting their own dream catcher or simply enjoying the goings on.

Doris E. Rufli is the Forest Grove correspondent.