Virtual Countries Travel Blog

Canadian Aboriginal Festival

The 14th Canadian Aboriginal Festival will take place in Toronto from 30 November to 2 December 2007. The festival will kick off with the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards on Friday 30 November 2007. The Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards give recognition to the rich cultural heritage of Canadian Aboriginal music, which continues to have a positive influence in Aboriginal communities.

Although this event is developed and coordinated by Aboriginal people throughout Canada, First Nations, Inuit and Metis people are encouraged to participate, thereby promoting unity as only the power of music can. With this in mind, participants and spectators alike are looking forward with eager anticipation to the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards.

The mission of the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards (CAMA) is to acknowledge and honor those that keep, teach, promote, create and perform Aboriginal music; to continue to promote and develop the diversity of all Aboriginal music; celebrate and showcase the excellent quality of Aboriginal music; and to recognize the unique vision and talent of Aboriginal musicians while encouraging this rich cultural voice.

The awards show will take place at the Rogers Centre on Friday 30 November 2007 and will honor the top musical artists of the Canadian Aboriginal communities. The CAMA is coordinated by two executive producers, Ron Robert and Catherine Cornelius, along with a committee of nine prominent members of the Canadian Aboriginal music community. There are twenty-four categories that entrants will be judged under for these prestigious awards.

A popular event at the Canadian Aboriginal Festival is the Pow Wow which will take place twice on Saturday 1 December and once on Sunday 2 December. This family event is a dazzling display of nearly one thousand dancers and drum singing groups from all over North America performing together on the floor of the SkyDome. Each of the Pow Wow ceremonies starts off with the Grand Entry of all the dancers into the Dance Circle. This dramatic and colorful display makes it one of the most beautiful traditional Aboriginal ceremonies. Traditionally Pow Wows have been dedicated to warriors and are a way of thanking the Creator for the provisions that Mother Earth makes for her people. People of all races and creeds are invited to attend a Pow Wow.

During all three days of the Canadian Aboriginal Festival vendors of Aboriginal art, crafts and traditional food will set up their stores at The Market. Visitors will be able to buy a variety of jewelry, clothing, carvings, fine art, sculpture and more, as they gain insight into this important part of Aboriginal cultural expression. A Lacrosse Skills Competition will take place on Saturday, giving amateur players the opportunity to put their skills to the test. There will also be opportunities for visitors to find out more about Aboriginal traditions, including spirituality and healing from some of the most distinguished Elders and Healers.

Clearly the 14th Canadian Aboriginal Festival promises to have something for everyone in the family to enjoy. So make sure you get there!

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