By Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter) with files from Geoff Smith

Annual FNMI Days at the College recognize important local cultures

Oct 18, 2016 | 5:06 PM

LETHBRIDGE –  Lethbridge College launched its annual First Nation Metis Inuit (FNMI) Days on Tuesday with traditional and contemporary displays and music in the school’s centre court

FNMI Days  recognizes the fact that the College is located on traditional Blackfoot territory and about 350 students from the First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities are registered at the school..

Blackfoot Elder, Peter Weasel Moccasin, says the time offers an important opportunity to promote his culture.

“We still have our traditional way of life that we still practice – that hasn’t changed and we’re able to promote that in a lot areas in the community, just to make people aware that we still practice our ways.”

Weasel Moccasin is encouraged by the fact that more people are interested in learning about his culture.  

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Marcia Black Water, acting coordinator of FNMI services, explained the annual event is a time for them to celebrate the pride, history and knowledge of their cultures.  She says it is a time of celebration. 

“A lot of the events and activities that we have planned are of the social part of the culture, so they’re things that most people can be involved in, like the Pow Wow dancers are always a favourite entertainment.”

The three-days of events provide both traditional and contemporary entertainment, including powwow drumming, Métis fiddling and jigging, a hand drum contest and a taste of culture as well as arts, crafts and community exhibits.

As part of the college’s 60th anniversary celebrations in 2017, the school will receive its own Honour song from the Blood Tribe during next April’s convocation.  On Thursday (Oct 20th), the writers of the song Julius and Troy Delaney from the Blood Tribe, will receive special gifts from the College during a special ceremony.

FNMI Days wind down Thursday evening with a screening of the Southern Alberta documentary, Elder in the Making, which is described as a spiritual journey across traditional Blackfoot territory. Film director, Chris Hsiung, will attend for a Q&A and panel discussion about the film. 

 The event is free although guests are asked to contact Marcia Black Water to pre-register.