By Sarah Rae

Battlefords set to celebrate National Aboriginal Day

Jun 20, 2016 | 2:44 PM

It’s the 20th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day and organizers in the Battlefords are expanding this year for a more celebratory feel.

Gift Madojemu of the Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre said her organization is focusing on performances during the event Tuesday, June 21.

“We’ve realized when people are eating and they’re just making merry they’re not really listening to people talking off a stage so we’ve expanded that way to just make it more of a celebratory focus, but still promoting the culture in the dance and in the booths,” she said.

In the past, speakers spoke throughout the morning, but this year the focus is entertainment. There will be musical performances on stage and an educational component at various booths.

Some of the performers include the Mosquito School Dance Troupe, Bianca, Sarena Lynn and Boss of Three. Event goers can munch on Saskatoon berry pancakes, sausages and fruit and visit various craft and educational booths. Kids can partake in face painting, traditional games and a carnival.

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“The idea behind it is to get everybody in the community to come out and celebrate the Aboriginal heritage here,” Madojemu said.

She said the celebrations keep expanding, even in the last two years. Roughly 1,000 people attended in 2014, then 1,500 in 2015 and Madojemu said they’re expecting 2,000 this year.

The event takes place in the Health Centre’s parking lot from 8 a.m. until noon.

sarah.rae@jpbg.ca

@sarahjeanrae