By Jen Traplin, Metro Canada
Photo courtesy of Metro Canada
The Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival aims to share Aboriginal culture with all people in the Ottawa area, but the festival’s executive director says she thinks some non-aboriginal people are under the mistaken impression they can’t go.
“I think people hear Pow Wow and Aboriginal Arts Festival and they feel it’s just for our community,” says Trina Mather-Simard, executive director of the Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival. “But, it’s really an opportunity for our community to welcome in and share more with our neighbours here in Ottawa. Absolutely everyone is welcome.”
This free, four-day festival includes an Aboriginal artisan village, interactive exhibits and tons of family-friendly activities.
One of the highlights of the festival is the 2nd Annual Competition Pow Wow, an international drum and dance contest, featuring Grammy-nominated Ojibwe drum group Bear Creek. With over $65,000 in prize money up for grabs, organizers expect, much like last year, the Competition Pow Wow will draw high-calibre talent from all over.
Read more: Enter the Aboriginal summer solstice
