Celebrating Aboriginal Arts and Heritage

GOLD RIVER, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - Sept. 4, 2014) - The Acadia First Nation will present the 30^th edition of the Gold River Pow Wow this month, thanks in part to financial support from the Government of Canada. Funding of $13,000 is being provided under the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program.

Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament (South Shore-St. Margaret's), made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

The Acadia First Nation will present its annual Pow Wow from September 12 to 14 in the Chester Municipal District, Nova Scotia. Aboriginal people and members of the broader community will come together to take part in activities such as traditional dancing, drumming and a smudging ceremony. Workshops and demonstrations will highlight Mi'kmaq culture, and a sweat lodge will be open.

Quick Facts

• Acadia First Nation is located in southwestern Nova Scotia and is made up of five Mi'kmaq reserves: Gold River, Medway, Ponhook Lake, Wildcat and Yarmouth. These were established between 1820 and 1887.
• Pow wows celebrate Aboriginal music, dance, crafts and food, and provide an opportunity for participants-which include Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people-to appreciate Aboriginal culture.
• About 3,000 people are expected to attend the 2014 Gold River Pow Wow.

Quotes

"Our Government recognizes the value of local arts and heritage activities, and we are proud to invest in projects that give citizens opportunities to celebrate their community culture and heritage. Events such as the Gold River Pow Wow help highlight the rich Aboriginal heritage of this region of Nova Scotia."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"The Gold River Pow Wow is an ideal occasion to learn about and show appreciation for the Mi'kmaq culture in the Chester Municipal District. I encourage residents and visitors to the region to come out and enjoy this unique cultural experience."

-Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament (South Shore-St. Margaret's)

"Acadia First Nation would like to thank the Department of Canadian Heritage for its continued support towards the Gold River Pow Wow. This event is an educational tool that will benefit Mi'kmaq and non-Mi'kmaq alike. It encourages participants to engage in Mi'kmaq culture and traditions, reconnect with heritage, and empower with knowledge in learning and connecting to Mother Earth."

- Chief Deborah Robinson, Acadia First Nation

Associated Links

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

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