All My Relations Festival Report
On Saturday, June 13, Sherbrooke Mennonite Church in Vancouver opened up both their church building and parking lot to host the All My Relations Festival. The church property was transformed for the day creating a Pow Wow – fair- like atmosphere. Various members of local Lower Mainland First Nations were present and participated in the Pow Wow.
Things really got underway with the Grand Entry which featured flag bearers and dancers presenting a variety of dances. A feature of the Grand Entry was a group of men dancing around a large drum in full song. An MC supplied some commentary, explaining to the guests (most of whom were unaware of their meaning or significance) that the dances that were performed represented healing, celebration and the sharing of knowledge.
There was also a showcase of Metis dancing called jigging which is performed to fiddle music and encourages audience participation. Another component of the entertainment was a Peruvian performance troop of musicians and dancers. There were vendors on site with a variety of arts and crafts items for sale .
The day ended with a communal meal and some time for music played on guitars for the non-traditional singers.
This event was put on in partnership with the Hummingbird Ministries of Central Presbyterian Church, and the Mennonite Church of BC.
One native elder jokingly said; "I came to church today and a Pow Wow broke out. How is that for reconciliation?" She was so pleased and encouraged. What a great ground- breaking event. No pun intended.
All my relations (which is what we as Indigenous people say in respect of all of Creation), Miigwetch,
Brander Raven
PHOTOS
- The Grand Entry
- Close-up of the Grand Entry Flag Bearers
- The Peruvian Dancers
- Colourful Dancer
- The reporter on the right with two friends
- The vendor area
Photos by Jil McDonald