June 21 saw the nationally celebrated Aboriginal Day take place. It is a day meant to celebrate the First Nation, Metis, and Inuit peoples as well as their contributions to the world. Highly educational it allows people across the country to learn about and celebrate these cultures.
"Aboriginal Day has actually been celebrated, unofficially, in many parts of the country for decades," said Darwin Delorme, Chair of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour's Aboriginal Committee. "It is extremely important to have a national day dedicated to raising awareness of the issues facing aboriginal peoples, but also to bring members of our communities together to share stories, laugh, and experience what our many cultures have to offer."
The Bear Claw Casino hosted an afternoon of demonstrations and fun to celebrate. Starting with a free fish fry for over two hundred people.
Horse and carriage rides were offered to anyone who wanted them. Many young children were excited to go on a quick tour around the Casino. Bouncers were also set up for youth to enjoy making it a fun-filled afternoon for the entire family.
At 2 p.m. the demonstrations of Aboriginal culture began. They showcased great drumming and dancing talent.
"We're having a mini-Pow Wow here to showcase what will happen August 3, 4, and 5 at the Bear Claw Casino. There will be four hundred dancers and about twenty drum groups." Winston Bear, the MC, stated. "We thank you for coming here today to celebrate with us today."
Bear explained that "the drumbeat is the heartbeat of our nation, our Mother." The cultural songs and dances they partake in have been done around June 21 for quite awhile to give thanks to the Creator.
According to Bear, Pow Wow's became a competition through, "Buffalo Bills Wild West show, which was taken around the world and it showcased native dancers in their outfits. Originally most dances were done for the health of the people, we've always danced. But it was these shows that turned it into a competition as people across Europe voted on the winners."
When the presentations were ready to begin the grass dancers were asked to bless the grounds before the Grand Entry. Bear explained that historically "Thirty warriors would come forward to clear a spot for a camp that would then come in of about two to three hundred people." The grass dancers would clear the area through dance. Traditionally they would pack the long prairie grasses down and scare off any animals such as snakes, mice, and rats.
During the Grand Entry, Bear described that the warriors enter first. They lead the way into the new area as the others follow. The women follow behind standing tall and straight as "they are considered the backbone of our countries, our communities."
After showing those in attendance the different dances that are performed at a Pow Wow an intertribal dance was played. This allowed for people watching to join in and experience First Nations dance. Unlike the Grand Entry no one leads the dance, everyone is equal and all are welcome.
After the intertribal finished a Kohomani song was played. This was described as an Aboriginal love song, one that is danced to by any coupling of people. The pairs hold hands and partake in a dance that follows a clockwise motion.
Everyone in attendance greatly enjoyed the food and performances. It was a wonderful afternoon that many chose to be a part of. All were happy to learn and celebrate National Aboriginal Day at the Bear Claw Casino.
