Aboriginal Awareness Week in Calgary

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Calgary's Aboriginal Awareness Week is moving into its second decade of providing activities that incorporates films, arts and crafts sales, performing artists and a bannock cook-off that is in its fifth year.

This time around, the theme is 'Honoring the Year of the Older Person'.

Events begin Monday, June 14, with an official opening by city mayor, Al Duerr, at Olympic Plaza with members of the First Nations Veterans Association attending for the first time, said Carole Carpenter, program administrator.

Monday's agenda includes readings by writer Cheryl Blood at With Our Own Voices, and a film screening of Forgotten People by Metis filmmaker Loretta Todd at EMMEDIA. The day also features a drumming group at the opening ceremonies, a Metis Nation speaker, and the friendship centre square dancers.

A theatrical play, Laughing 4 Those Who Can't, written by actress Michelle Thrush and sporting an all-female cast is sure to delight as are two film showings - Honey Moccasin by Shelly Niro from Ontario and Generational Angst by Sheryl Kootenhayoo who will be on location to answer questions regarding her film.

On Wednesday there'll be a play as well as an Elders sharing session over at the Glenbow Museum entitled Through Elders Eyes.

There'll be an Indian taco luncheon on Thursday, topped off by a variety night at the Pumphouse Theatre that will feature Olivia Tailfeathers' drummers and singers, and the band Wandering Spirit, at 7 p.m. Appearing as a special guest is the 5th Generation, a family singing group from Regina.

The highlight of Friday's activities is the bannock cook-off.

Saturday's program will offer multi-media arts from the West Coast and an evening with Derek Starlight, an entertaining puppeteer from T'suu T'ina Reserve. To recognize the Year of The Older Person, there will be an Elders luncheon with storytelling, a craft sale and a colourful mini-powwow.

Rounding out the June 14 to 21 week is a June 21 performance called From Jigging to Drums, at the downtown Olympic Plaza at 11:30 a.m.

There has been a noticeable increase in attendance at live plays and art exhibits, said Carpenter.

Carpenter thinks Aboriginal week is a great medium to help bridge the gap between Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal people.