Look who's hosting a homecoming celebration
Friday, August 31, 2012 by: SooToday.com Staff
NEWS RELEASE
BATCHEWANA FIRST NATION
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Batchewana celebrates Homecoming Gathering August 29-31, 2012
Batchewana First Nation (BFN) leadership is pleased to announce that the Homecoming celebration 2012, has kicked off in a very positive way.
[Wednesday] was the initial day of the celebration commencing with an opening ceremony at the Rankin Pow Wow grounds.
A sacred fire began the day and teepee was constructed to house the new Batchewana First Nation Eagle Staff.
The Homecoming gathering is an event intended to bring membership and leadership together to engage in discussions on current initiatives, and future planning for the First Nation.
This is a special time for Batchewana First Nation members who live on and off reserve to come together, and engage in meaningful dialogue.
Culturally based workshops based on priority areas developed by BFN chief and council are offered throughout the celebration.
Chief Sayers had this to say about the festivities: “We have been busy planning this celebration for quite some time, and it has been a work of passion. This is a chance for us to revisit where we have been, assess where we are, to plan a brighter future for our young ones.”
Workshops include information on First Nation’s claims and assertions, economic opportunities, political action plans, creation story teachings and much more.
Each night of the Homecoming offers different types of entertainment.
[Wednesday] night BFN hosted a country music concert with Crystal Shawanda.
The turnout was tremendous and the local food bank received an overflowing amount of donations (which was the only admittance fee).
[Last night] BFN will hosted stand up comedian, Gerry “The Big Bear” Barrett.
[Tonight], the final night of the Homecoming will be the BFN Chi (big) Bingo.
The Chi Bingo offers over $25, 000 in prizes, doors open at 5:30 p.m. and start time is 7 p.m.
BFN Chief and Council would like to thank those who have participated in the workshops and encourage all membership to join the fun the rest of the week!
Chief and council would also like to recognize the Homecoming platinum sponsors; Gilead Power Corp., EPOH, Northland Power, DP Energy, and Sprott Power Corp., for their generous contributions.
BFN Pow Wow, Hounouring Our Veterans will be held this weekend from August 31- September 2, 2012.
There is rough camping available and anishinaabe craft and food vendors will be on site.
Grand entry will be held on Saturday, September 1 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and again on Sunday, September 2 at 12 noon.
Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend.
Come on out and help show our veterans the respect and appreciation they deserve!
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