Ever cooked bannock over an open fire? Want to learn more about the traditional Okanagan peoples?
The Allan Brooks Nature Centre (ABNC) has partnered with the Okanagan Indian Band, First Nations Friendship Centre and the Aboriginal Community Elders Society to host its Second Annual First Peoples Celebration on Saturday.
Festivities begin at 11 a.m., with a blessing and welcoming from local elders at noon. There will be displays on the First Nations people of the Okanagan as well as the Métis and Inuit.
Michael Ochoa from the Okanagan Indian Band will give a presentation on native plants, and on the Okanagan culture. Traditional stories and legends will be told throughout the day in the on-site teepee.
“It’s important to hear these legends and understand the history of the Okanagan people, it builds appreciation for the culture and our own community‚“ said Kaitlyn Richards, communications assistant for the ABNC.
First Peoples art, both contemporary and traditional, will be on display including works done by local artists Sheldon Louis and David Wilson. The event also features performances by contemporary aboriginal artists and dancers.
“We are excited to host our second annual First Peoples Celebration leading up to National Aboriginal Day at Allan Brooks Nature Centre to celebrate the connection between our First Peoples and nature,” said Janice Buick, events and volunteer coordinator at ABNC. “This is a great opportunity for the public to explore, experience and participate in First Peoples traditions while enjoying the breathtaking view of the Vernon area.”
The Aboriginal Community Elders Society will be providing bannock that can be cooked yourself over a bonfire on site. Other traditional foods will be available for purchase at the concession.
Activities for kids will include traditional arts and crafts, bannock over the fire and access to other nature centre amenities, including the nature playground.
The First Peoples Celebration takes place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the ABNC, located south of Vernon off 34th Street (Mission Road) above the Army Camp on the Commonage. For more information, call 250-260-4227 or see www.abnc.ca
