First Nations traditions and culture will be front and centre at this year's Canada Day celebrations at Mitford Park, with the largest participation from aboriginal people in the event's history.
First Nations traditions and culture will be front and centre at this year's Canada Day celebrations at Mitford Park, with the largest participation from aboriginal people in the event's history.
Tracy Brooker, the town's manager of recreation, culture and arts, said Morley's Twoyoungmen family will erect a teepee at Mitford Park to pay tribute to aboriginal traditions. Inside the tent, a number of demonstrations will be held including eagle feather painting, beading and dream catcher making. Native dancers and a smudging ceremony will round out the increased involvement of local First Nations people for Canada Day.
A smudging ceremony will be part of the Canada Day kickoff events starting at the Cochrane Legion at 9 a.m. with a pancake breakfast.
Helmer Twoyoungmen, who is helping to organize the First Nation events, says he is pleased that aboriginal people will have a greater presence this year adding festival-goers will also be treated to a mini-pow wow.
“It is important to build a relationship between First Nations and the new world, ” said Twoyoungmen, adding both aboriginal and non-aboriginal people can learn from each other.
“We need to build bridges so we have a more balanced world … hopefully then Mother Nature can last a little bit longer. ”
Baruch Laskin, emcee and owner of Accolade Entertainment that set up the programming for the celebrations, said he is also excited to see greater participation from the Morley community on Canada Day.
“First Nation people have been here for tens of thousands of years. We're still fresh guests to the party, ” he said.
On July 1, Laskin said people will get an interactive look into aboriginal culture and he hopes that will open a lot of eyes.
Brooker said the July 1 festivities will also highlight the multicultural fabric of Canada and Cochrane's growing diversity.
Cochrane's Immigrant Services Committee will have a tent featuring the varied and growing ethnic population of the community.
Candy Weisner with Cochrane Family and Community Services said the volunteer group comprised of a variety of people from different backgrounds has a lot planned for Canada Day.
From activities in numerous languages, depending on the volunteer on duty, to interactive world maps, a giant floor puzzle and world-themed crafts, songs and dances, Weisner said there is a lot to offer.
Those events will prelude a community picnic scheduled for Aug. 27, which will include a host of activities and be capped off by a Canadian citizenship ceremony.
The town is still looking for Canada Day volunteers to help with everything from the kids' area to security.
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Entertainment by Michela Sheedy
10 a.m.- 12 p.m.: Roving Characters
10:55 a.m.: Greetings from Mayor Brooker
11 a.m. to Legion Color Party marches in the Canadian flag, national anthem and oath of citizenship
11:15 to 11:30 a.m.: Performance by Cochrane Young Singers
11:35 to 12:05 p.m.: Performance by Lexi Strate
12:10 to 12:30 p.m.: Prayer, smudge and performance by Helmer Twoyoungmen
12:30 to 12:50 p.m.: Performance by Native Dancers
1:00 p.m.: Birthday cake served by Mayor and Council
Street Festival performance by Roberto Linares Brown Orchestra
The Roberto Linares Brown Orchestra will set the mood with a Cuban street festival vibe as people enter the park. Wear your dancing shoes!
Free event! Bring a lawn chair, no pets please. Food trucks, Jumpstart Games hosted by Canadian Tire, Multi to cultural Activity Centre hosted by the Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee, Cochrane Dollars for the first 150 families through the gates. Kids Zone, Mascots, Music & More!
2 p.m.: Teepee raising begins (located stage left to the West and North of main stage)
5:30 to 9 p.m.: Eagle feather painting, dream catchers & bead work to 30 minute intervals in the Teepee
4 to 9 p.m.: Kids Zone including face painting, interactive reptile tent, bumper balls, Fun Van, Bouncy Houses and more!
4 to 6 p.m.: Roving Characters with the likes of William VanHorn, Lord Strathcona and Nellie McClung
4 to 7 p.m.: Horses R Cool pony rides
4 to 7 p.m.: Butterfield Acres petting zoo
4 to 11 p.m.: Entertainment
4:00 p.m.: Welcome & National Anthem
Native Prayer & Smudge by Helmer Twoyoungmen
First Nation Dancers
4:35 p.m.: Fig & the Flame
5:10 p.m.: Multi to cultural Dance Performances
5:20 p.m.: The Keister Family Fiddlers
6:00 p.m.: Official Unveiling of Canada 150 Mosaic
6:10 p.m.: Roberto Linares Brown Orchestra
6:45 p.m.: Lexi Strate
7:25 p.m.: Multi to cultural Dance Performances
7:35 p.m.: Peter & the Wolves
8:30 p.m.: Barney Bentall and the Legendary Hearts
10:00 p.m.: DJ Glow in the Dark Family Friendly Dance Party
