Aboriginal culture stamped into Canada Games

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Anyone who's attended major events like the Commonwealth Games, Arctic Winter Games or North American Indigenous Games, knows only too well that they incorporate a sizable cultural program.

The recent Canada (Winter) Games in Grande Prairie were no different. The cultural component theme, called Iskoteo, a Cree word for fire, symbolized the north: "fire in the sky...spirit of the people...power of the land." Indeed, the presence and power of Native culture permeated the Feb. 19 - March 3 extravaganza on a daily basis.

The Native participation was billed as The Aboriginal Experience, and the culture of Canada's First People was showcased through various mediums at the Muskoseepi Park ampitheatre, St. Clements School and during the opening and closing ceremonies of the games.

The skills and talents included arts and crafts by such renowned artisans as master carver Sonny Macdonald from Fort Smith, birch bark biter Angelique Levac from Prince George, and artist Colinda Cardinal (daughter of the late N.W.T. artist of renown, Don Cardinal) who designed the Aboriginal Experience poster.

Edmonton recording artist Laura Vinson, Calgary singer Art Napoleon, the Northwest Territory's vocalist Willie Thrasher and fiddle great Lee Mandeville, thrilled the multitudes with their songs and music. Others demonstrated their unique abilities in such areas as theatrics, films (by Gil Cardinal), and fashion shows by Gary Oker's Akazaaze Fashions.

Of course no cultural portrayal is ever complete unless it embodies traditional dancing, this element was richly and enthusiastically displayed daily by the Northern Shadow Dancers, Red Thunder, Peywapun Dancers, Kelly Lake Dancers, White Braid and others.

It's close to sinful to not also mention the Dene Tha Drummers, hoop dancing, and special guest speaker Alwyn Morris, the Mohawk who won gold in kayaking at the 1984 world Olympics!

Each evening at the park, the audiences were treated to Fire in The Sky, a five-part multi-media production that involved lasers, giant screens, hot air balloons, music and 12-foot puppets.

In all, the Aboriginal inclusion in the games was no small feat. Certainly, it took

a lot of co-ordination, co-operation and volunteerism from hundreds of Native people. Bonnie Bell, program director for the friendship centre, had the responsibility of co-ordinating The Aboriginal Experience. She said they had to begin work about 18 months in advance, and formed nine-sub-committees.

Bell credited the board of the centre for allowing three staff, one being herself, to work with the games cultural project.

"That was a substantial contribution on the part of the friendship centre," she admitted. One of their worst fears, she added, was their concern "about the location of the venue" which was off the beaten path from two major facilities, the Canada Games Arena and Muskoseepi Park. However, it all worked out.

"After a few days, word got around and we were packed," she remarked.

The featured speaker and guest at the opening for The Aboriginal Experience, Alwyn Morris," pointed out the correlation between sport and culture, and how each enhances the other," explained Bell. Morris also stated that sports help to discipline youth, and once they begin to achieve, they feel good about themselves. He did not neglect to mention how good it is to see the evolution of Native involvement in national and international sports, like the Canada Games, North American Indigenous Games, etc.

The Elders were a vital part of the happenings, too. Jerry Auger co-ordinated that task, and brought in four - one from Gleichen, and the others from Alexis, Atikameg and Brocket.

"We had pipe ceremonies every morning...to ask Creator for guidance, for everything to run smooth, and to have a good day," he said.

Auger also co-ordinated the opening prayer for the games in Dogrib, Cree, English, French and Ojibway, while Lee Smith translated in sign language. The Edmonton Journal stated, state Auger, "claimed the northern mystique was captured in the games by what we did."