Battlefords Indian and Métis Friendship Centre will be hosting its annual feast coming up on Tuesday, March 19. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff) : Angela Brown

By Angela Brown

Community gathering

Battlefords Friendship Centre hosting celebratory feast for community

Mar 4, 2019 | 5:00 PM

Local and surrounding area residents will have an opportunity to sit down and break bread together at a feast coming up next week which is free for all to attend.

Battlefords Indian and Métis Friendship Centre will host the event, which will take place at the centre at 960 103 St. in North Battleford on Tuesday, March 19 starting at 1 p.m. The food for the meal is being prepared by the Friendship Centre staff.

Executive Director Jackie Kennedy said the event will be a good opportunity to bring the community together.

“We’re just having a traditional feast, a gathering of people,” she said. “It’s a community feast everybody can come to… It’s just a celebration – a celebration of people.”

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The food for the meal will include traditional dishes among the fare. There will also be a variety of desserts to enjoy as well as hot tea to drink.

“There will be a wild meat soup for sure,” said Kennedy. “I think there are four soups they will have – a lot of good things, whatever we cook that morning.”

Bannock and assorted cakes will also be available as part of the menu.

People taking part will be sitting on the floor in a large circle during the meal, as is the custom for a feast. To take part in the event, people are encouraged to bring a blanket to sit on during the meal.

During the event, organizers will come around to each person and serve a variety of foods. Those taking part are also asked to bring their own containers, soup bowls and cups with them for the meal. They will be able to take home their leftovers at the end of the meal.

The feast event will also include drumming music, while an elder will say a prayer and bless the food and the participants taking part in the gathering at the start.

Kennedy said the feast is open to everyone – all First Nation and non First Nation people.

She said the feast at one time was held annually but has been missed on occasion so this will help to get the event going once more.

“We figured we should start again this year,” Kennedy said. “All the community is welcome.”

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow