The Villager

During the three-day festival, more than 40,000 people are expected to join in on the celebration, which will take place at the Roger's Centre.

"This festival is tremendously important to Aboriginal communities across North America," said Catherine Cornelius, executive director of the Canadian Aboriginal Festival.

"It's entertaining, educational and it brings awareness to the general public about our culture. This event bridges the gap between the First Nations and wider community and is a great way for people to learn about the diversity of Aboriginal groups - our different languages, lifestyles and contributions."

As a part of the Canadian Aboriginal Festival, the ninth annual Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards will take place Friday, Nov. 30 at the Roger's Centre. The goal of the music awards is to honour Canada's top Aboriginal artists and music industry professionals.

"The music awards are a big part of the festival and are celebrating nine successful years," Cornelius said. "The musicians were the initiators in terms of creating the awards. They felt it was necessary to have something separate from the Juno awards, which would recognize Aboriginal musicians and professionals. As a result, we now have 22 categories (that) will honour the accomplishments of our musicians."

Performers for the awards will include: Sakoeita and Niiwing Wendanamek, Burnt Project 1, NADJIWAN, The Flummies, ELOQUENCE, Little Hawk, Michelle Boudrias, Meghan Meisters, Steve Rain, Jimmy Lee Young, Jared Sowan, William Belcourt, Indigie Femme, Alyssa Wiebe and Misty Cora.

The following day, the festival gets into full swing with theatrical performances, visual arts displays and a marketplace shopping area. Just in time for holidays, the expanded marketplace will present visitors with a selection of clothing by Native designers; beautiful jewelry; stunning hand-made carvings, sculpture work, musical instruments; and delicious traditional food.

For the 11th consecutive year, an inspiring Visual Art Exhibition group show will be co-ordinated by the Association for Native Development in Performing and Visual arts, and the Turtle Concepts Fashion Show, featuring Aboriginal youth from rural northern communities, will take over the runway in style.

One of the main highlights of this year's festival will be the grand entrance of more than 1,000 traditional pow wow dance competitors, each of who will be robed in traditional dress. The grand entries are a must-see event for first-time visitors and, with the pow wow competition prize money increased for this year's festival, the dancers are expected to be more competitive than ever.

"Expect to see a fantastic display of energy and a beautiful array of colour," Cornelius said. "The pow wow grand entry will be wonderful. The dancers will be preceded by the Canadian military setting the tone with their in-step military march. It is one event that should not be missed."

This year's Canadian Aboriginal Festival looks to entertain and educate all visitors through the passion of First Nations culture. Visit www.canab.com for more information on ticket prices, scheduling and performers.

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Jon Sarpong is the diversity officer at Durham College. He provides independent diversity training and consultation for various organizations. Contact Jon by e-mailing jsarpong@hotmail.com.