News

Cultural sharing among residents for
National Aboriginal Day celebration

June 28th, 2017

Points West Living Slave Lake joined in Canada’s celebration of National Aboriginal Day on June 21st. Residents were treated to drumming, dancing, and an indigenous feast. It all started with a traditional smudge. 

Traditional smudge

Swan River First Nation Elder, Dustin Twin opened the celebration by lighting a traditional smudge, Wepamasagan, a fungus that only grows on the diamond willow tree. Recreation coordinator Martine Carifelle describes the ritual. “Dustin waved the sweet smoke towards himself to ask the Creator to bless him, and for the smoke to rise and bring with it their prayers to the Creator.”

“He said a prayer of blessing in the Cree language and walked around with the smudge to all the residents, giving each one the opportunity to smudge if they chose to,” explains Martine.

Drumming, dancing & stories

Next up was a traditional drummer, who drummed and sang The Morning Song, followed by another song on a wooden flute. Then, his seven-year-old daughter danced for the residents. She performed a round dance and a jingle dance with a lightness and precision that delighted the audience. “Our residents were so tuned in to the songs and dances,” says Martine, “and really enjoyed watching and hearing traditional music.” They were also completely absorbed in the story that followed. “The room was so silent, no one was making a sound,” says Martine, "as young and old were paying close attention to every detail.”

Feast of indigenous foods

Next on the agenda, a feast of indigenous foods, included white fish (smoked or baked), moose stew, bannock and boiled potatoes. “Our residents were really enjoying foods they are accustomed to,” says Martine, “and many commented on how good it was and how it was such an amazing feast.”

Hiy Hiy!

Following lunch, Dustin Twin spoke with each resident in Cree giving them words of encouragement and humour. “Aboriginal Day was a big success, and our indigenous residents were well pleased we took the time to honour them on this special day.”

“Hiy Hiy!” Martine concludes, “That’s ‘Thank you’ in Cree.”

Photo: Resident Marie Giroux welcomes the sweet smoke of the Wepamasagan smudge from Dustin Twin, Elder of the Swan Lake First Nation, at PWL Slave Lake’s Aboriginal Day celebrations.

More photos at Flickr: Cultural sharing among residents for National Aboriginal Day celebration