The Good People Aboriginal Festival

June 19, 2009

The Good People Aboriginal Festival offers visitors an opportunity to gain an appreciation of the culture of the Anishinabek, Grey County’s first residents, through a weekend of Aboriginal celebrations and teachings!

Today marks Education Day at the festival. Teachers and their classes will be captivated by award winning Ojibway Storyteller Aaron Bell and the White Pine Dancers. The Cape Croker School drummers and dancers will share their gifts as well. Classes will then be invited to learn more about Aboriginal dance, storytelling, medicine wheels, and games. Elder Justin Johnson will be keeping the sacred fire burning on-site, having begun the day at 6 a.m. with a traditional Sunrise Ceremony. To find Justin, just look for the tipi! Children will make an Aboriginal themed craft to take home. This is truly an exciting educational experience. Limited spaces available. Teachers will receive an information package as a continuation enhancement of the day.

Time: 9:30 – 2:30 (with a flexible start and finish time)
Cost: $10.00 per student
Grade: 3-8

Saturday and Sunday:
Each day begins at 6:00 am with a traditional Sunrise Ceremony with Elder Justin Johnson. He’ll be keeping the sacred fire burning on-site throughout the festival. To find Justin, just look for the tipi! Festivities begin at 10:00 am with interpretive dance and drumming demonstrations. Explore the history of the fur trade in Canada with Scott Carpenter and his amazing Métis exhibit. He’ll also have items for sale. Aboriginal talents are showcased at an Art Show and sale organised by Ron de Boer, of Gallery de Boer Fine Art & Jazz. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to observe the construction of a wigwam. Ken Tabobondung and volunteers plan to finish the elm bark wigwam early Sunday afternoon. Take in one of the many films featured in out Aboriginal Film Festival. For the first time at Grey Roots view Nahneebahweequa – Upright Woman: Crusader for Native Rights exhibit containing artefacts and archival material from our collections. Help us create our beautiful community dream catcher! On Saturday well known storyteller Priscilla Yellowhead will be here as well as the Piyak Ootihi Drummers and Marcel Labelle, a Métis birch bark canoe builder who will be demonstrating his craft. Come hungry as Diane Ritchie will be here serving up Nish Tacos, corn soup and scone dogs. The Order of Good Cheer will also be here selling their delicious fare.

Saturday evening beginning at 7:00 pm, visitors will be entertained by the musical talents of Marc Nadjiwan and his band. Marc has been nominated for Best Male Artist at the Canadian Aboriginal Awards. Priscilla Yellowhead will start the evening off with a few of her stories. Respected Anishinabe Historian and Elder, Basil Johnston will be here at 11:00 am Sunday to share his stories. The wigwam will be completed at 2:00 pm. This unique weekend gives us all a chance to be inspired, celebrate and gain an understanding of the distinctive culture of Canada’s First Nations People. Purchase festival tickets for all events OR just for a day OR just Marc Nadjiwan’s evening concert. Ticket prices for families, adults, Elder/senior and child available – special prices for Grey Roots’ members.
Admission prices.

This event has been made possible through the Ministry of Tourism, Celebrate Ontario initiative.

Sunday the festivities continue at the Inner West Harbour with National Aboriginal Day in Owen Sound. Cultural entertainment from 2 pm to 6 pm, at the inner harbour showcasing the best in contemporary aboriginal arts and culture.

Continuing on… Harbour nights rocks it out with the Sapsuckers, a heavy blues band from Saugeen First Nation at 7 pm. Come out and enjoy a great show!