NAN and FWHP Kick Off First Nation Culture and Music Festival
Wednesday August 15, 2007
THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy together with Fort William Historical Park (FWHP) General Manager Sergio Buonocore will officially kick off Anishnawbe Keeshigun during a canoe arrival and opening ceremony of the two-day festival this Saturday.
Anishnawbe Keeshigun - a celebration of First Nation history and tradition taking place August 18th and 19th 2007 at the Fort - will highlight the significant contributions of First Nation people to the development of Ontario and Canada as a whole.The festival will feature traditional and contemporary musical and demonstrative entertainment from across the country, including a competition pow wow, cooking samples and demonstrations from Chief David Wolfman, and music from Mark Farner (formerly of Grand Funk Railroad), Buffy Sainte-Marie, Tom Jackson, Eagle and Hawk, and C-Weed.
Official ceremonies will take place both Saturday and Sunday with canoe arrivals welcoming local dignitaries and entertainers.
For Anishnawbe Keeshigun, there is NO parking at the Fort. Patrons can utilize shuttle buses that will be running steadily from Lakehead University, with pick up at the Balmoral Street entrance, beginning 9:30 a.m. to the conclusion of festivities on both evenings. NO alcohol will be served at this family festival.
The festival has received contributions from the Government of Ontario's Celebrate Ontario initiative.