This weekend will mark the 45th annual Seabird Island First Nation Festival.
The two day event includes a traditional Sla:hal games, cultural performances featuring drummers and dancers, and plenty of sports action.
There will be war canoe races, soccer games for all ages, and ball hockey for men and women.
A traditional salmon barbecue will be baked by the family of Grand Chief Archie Charles and Mary Charles, both Saturday and Sunday starting at 11 a.m. at the barbecue pit. Drummers will perform Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in front of the cultural building at Seabird. First Nations crafters will be on site showcasing and selling their work throughout the weekend, and plenty of food vendors will be on hand to keep visitors fed throughout the two day event.
Long before colonization of Canada, First Nations people from across Canada and North America held games. History dictates that many modernized sports were derived from traditional First Nations games. These games taught First Nations children many qualities that would help them through their journey into adulthood, such as honesty, courage, respect, and gratitude. Today, the Seabird Island First Nation Festival is a drug-free cultural event that promotes well-being for people of all ages.
For more information, visit www.seabirdisland.ca.