The Little Moccasins Headstart Program recently hosted a very successful Traditional Celebration of the Arts. This event was funded from an Early Childhood Development grant. Thanks go to Arlene Mitchell, who sent in a proposal and received a generous amount of money for the Headstart program.
The afternoon began with a presentation from Shane Camille, a traditional singer, drummer and storyteller. The First Nations puppeteer, Meredith Rusk, from Salmon Arm followed with an amazing puppet show that mesmerized both the young and the old. The audience had the opportunity to watch five dancers from various communities as they shared their pow wow dancing skills. Francis Robbins, a men’s traditional dancer from Williams Lake, Dani Valgardson and Iesha Johnny, two young women’s fancy dancers from Salmon Arm, and Sam Saul, a traditional men’s dancer, and Chale Boyce, a chicken dancer from Chu Chua, showed tremendous talent and stamina as they danced to the beat of the Qwantna Mountain drum group from Bella coola,
The traditional feast, prepared by the Chu Chua Women’s Basketball Team, was so delicious many diners were heading back for seconds and thirds. The evening was topped off by a spectacular performance by the Aboriginal People’s Choice Awards Nominee, Ed Peekeekoot. Ed was truly impressive with his use of the guitar, banjo, fiddle and flute. It was great to see audience members tapping their feet, clapping their hands and getting up and dancing, but what was even more exciting was watching the toddlers on the dance floor moving their little bodies to the music.
Katherine Semrick and Dawn Eustache displayed some lovely works of art as well.
The secret to a successful community event is having dedicated community members stepping forward to help. Many thank yous were given to all who contributed in numerous ways.