Executive Council
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
July 4, 2008

Premier and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs to
Attend Miawpukek First Nation�s Powwow

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, will attend Newfoundland and Labrador�s nationally-acclaimed Aboriginal tourism event, the Miawpukek First Nation�s Powwow on Saturday, July 5. The powwow is taking place at the Miawpukek First Nation Conne River Reserve July 3 - 6.

"The Miawpukek First Nation�s Powwow was recently recognized as one of 29 significant Aboriginal tourism events by Aboriginal Tourism Canada � a recognition that is well-deserved," said Premier Williams. "The Miawpukek First Nation, under the leadership of Chief Misel Joe, has done a tremendous job of leading a cultural and spiritual revival that celebrates Mi�Kmaq customs and traditions. The Miawpukek First Nation is showing the rest of Canada the true depth of cultural heritage in Newfoundland and Labrador."

"Once again, Mi�Kmaq traditional dancers, drummers, spiritual leaders and elders will gather in a spectacular celebration," said Minister Pottle. "I am looking forward to attending the Miawpukek First Nation�s Powwow, not only as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, but also as an Inuit mother from the north coast of Labrador showing her family how other Aboriginal people in Newfoundland and Labrador celebrate their culture and traditions."

This will be the 13th annual powwow for the Miapukek First Nation. Throughout the three-day event, visitors will be able to witness and partake in the sharing of culture and traditions through activities such as traditional dancing and chanting, sacred ceremonies and feasts.

"The Miawpukek First Nation is very excited and proud that Premier Danny Williams and Minister Patty Pottle have taken time out of their busy schedule to celebrate with us," said Chief Joe. "Powwow is a time to celebrate and share our unique culture and to pray for good health and safe and successful journeys. There are no words to adequately convey the emotional and spiritual depths felt during a powwow, you just have to experience it. The powwow serves to unify peoples of all races and cultures and is a tool for rebuilding Native culture and reinforcing Aboriginal identity."

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to provide support to the Miawpukek First Nation�s Powwow with funding of $3,500. Through the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Program, the province has invested $15,000 in the Miawpukek Band Government to deliver Aboriginal Programs at the Arts and Exploration Centre throughout the summer. These programs will inform, educate and enrich visitors and students about the rich heritage of the Mi�Kmaq of Newfoundland.

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Media contacts:

Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960, 693-7291
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
Roger Scaplen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 727-0991
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1674, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
 

2008 07 04                                                      9:50 a.m.

 


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