THUNDER BAY— Anishinaabe Keeshigun is set to return to Fort Willilam Historical park this weekend.
Highlighting Anishinaabe culture, traditions, language, and technology, the free event is taking place at the park on Aug/ 16 and 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Anishinaabe Keeshigun is a meaningful opportunity for the community to come together and honour the rich cultural traditions of the Anishinaabe people,” said Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora-Rainy River, in a media release.
“Gatherings like this deepen our collective understanding, strengthen community partnerships, and celebrate the knowledge, language and traditions that continue to shape Ontario.”
Some events included in the two-day-long festival include traditional performances, traditional foods including smoked fish and strawberry drink, traditional sports like spear throwing and artisan demonstrations that include birch bark canoe building.
Visitors will also be able to watch Remembering Richard Lyons, a documentary about Dr. Richard Lyons, a leader in the revitalization of pow wow tradition in Northwestern Ontario.
This year’s event will include a pow wow highlighting regional dancers and drum groups, as well as a community feast held on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. that is open to all visitors.
“This celebration of Anishinaabe culture and tradition is a wonderful opportunity for the people of Thunder Bay–Atikokan to experience the richness of First Nations culture firsthand,” said Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan.
“It’s great to see the community coming together to celebrate and learn more about these meaningful traditions. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend at Fort William Historical Park.”
