Aboriginal Cultural Festival Kick Off

By trudy chiswell

On June 19^th at 9:30 am, three First Nations canoes paddled into the Inner Harbour to kick off the three day Aboriginal Cultural Festival in Victoria. The festival was held on traditional lands of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. Keeping with tradition, visiting performers and dignitaries from other nations, including our local Mayor Lisa Helps, paddled the canoes from Songhees Point to join in the paddle welcoming ceremony. Chief Ron Sam and Andy Thomas, the two chiefs from Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, preceded the dancers in welcoming in the visiting Nations canoes. Later, dancers on the stage in front of the museum entertained the large crowds with a variety of intricate dances. Great salmon burgers and fry bread were treats available at the food tent. The three day celebrations began with great success!