On Saturday, March 14th, The Alberta Aviation Museum will once again be host to our Annual Round Dance. This years theme will be “Celebrating All of Our Relations”. The Round Dance will continue to be done in collaboration with Women Building Futures.
Bonnie Borle, Workforce Partnerships Coordinator with Women Building Futures volunteered as last years event and discussed her experience with volunteering at the Round Dance and some of the practices she learned through the shift.
“As a volunteer at the round dance, I walked away feeling deeply connected and inspired. Being part of the event gave me a much stronger understanding of Indigenous culture and ceremony, especially the meaning behind the round dance and the importance of following proper protocol.”
Within Indigenous communities, a Round Dance is a traditional, social & spiritual gathering putting an emphasis on community healing, unity and honoring ancestors or future generations. Charlene Morgan, a supervisor with Bent Arrow’s Kahkiyaw program discusses the importance of having urban based Round Dances are important to help maintain tradition, especially for those who could have trouble accessing rural communities.
“We have high population of Indigenous peoples who live in the urban cities, towns etc. Cultural connection and identity are very important, and we see the need to ensure our people are able to participate and attend and fulfill their cultural spirit.
Round dances are sacred; we use this ceremony for healing and bringing people together to celebrate equality and unity between all relations. Round dances are normally held in the winter season, from October to April. We are spiritual people and we are ceremonial people; we heal through cultural events and teachings. Not all indigenous peoples can go home to their nation to receive these teachings or attend celebrations back home. We are privileged to be able to host these events in the urban setting to help build that ceremonial connection and support for our urban indigenous members.“
Those attending will enjoy good food, Indigenous vendors, and a sense of community. The Pipe Ceremony will start the event off in a good way at 2:00PM while the Round Dance will take place from 5:00pm – 10:00pm.
Astum Ota, Tatawaw – !! Come here, Welcome Everyone!! There is room for all.
Our round dances are meant to bring unity and connection to all relations. Come enjoy the sound of the drum and the strong voices of our warriors.