Aboriginal Awareness Week kicks off in Calgary – Calgary | 24CA News
It’s Aboriginal Awareness Week within the metropolis of Calgary.
The official kickoff was held at Elbow River Camp and featured performers, distributors and remarks from officers, together with Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek.
“To hear the stories that have been surpassed, the histories that were never told and the voices that were silenced for far too long,” the Mayor instructed the gang.
Jingle Dress Dancers Taylor Dumais and Sofia Eaglehead Baptiste carried out their cultural dance to the beat of the standard drummers. Neither grew up being taught the way to dance however they each embraced it later in life.
“We’re here to invite you in to come and learn the same way I was invited in to come and learn,” says Dumais.
That particular sort of dance has a deep which means and might symbolize therapeutic says Eaglehead Baptiste, who describes what it’s prefer to carry out for the gang. “I try to have prayers, I try to focus on the wellness of the people that are here,” she says warmly.
Many companies have been additionally on show, highlighting Calgary-based Indigenous entrepreneurs.
“We base our business off culture and sobriety because we’re both in recovery,” mentioned Auggie Hunter.
She and her business companion Robert Tatti began Bauggie’s Kutz & Kreations. The firm options attire with inspirational messaging, sobriety journals and jewellery. Both have been sober for a number of years and so they felt the necessity to give again by supporting others on their journey.
“We want to be their courage to find recovery,” Tatti mentioned. “It’s hard for us to ask for help because of what we think other people will think of us, you know?”
“I think it sends a strong message on what we want to do to move forward, to get our people healthy and strong again and bring them back to culture,” Hunter added.
The occasion additionally hosted a free BBQ and occasions for the youngsters. Despite the wind, dozens confirmed as much as present their help on Monday morning. The crowd was stuffed with households, younger and outdated.
“Take in everything that’s happening here today. I think that it creates that bridge that has so long been a gap between us,” mentioned Dumais. “There’s a lot of fear behind people coming in they don’t feel like they’re welcome they don’t feel like they belong here but we have to learn how to coincide with each other we have to learn how to learn amongst each other.”
Various occasions might be held over the week, with a Family Day Powwow at Elbow River Camp Saturday June twenty fourth. Everyone is welcomed and inspired to attend.
