Centennial Park in Ponoka filled up pretty quick this afternoon to celebrate National Aboriginal Day.

You couldn’t have asked for better weather, as the community came out to honour First Nations culture at the Ponoka Mini Pow Wow.

Drummers, dancers and artisans were invited to share their talents and to showcase some of the great things about First Nations culture in Alberta. Among the group of attendees were Ponoka Elementary students.

Cultural advisor for Wolf Creek School Division Leanne Louis said it’s important for kids of non-First Nations to get familiar with the culture at an early age.

“As my kids were going through school, I always tried to promote our Aboriginal culture because I think, we as Native people are strong and resilient and we have so much to offer to Canada.”

“I’ve always been an advocate for promoting our Aboriginal culture.”

Coordinator of the Parent Link Centre Andrea Ramage helped put on the event and said celebrating their culture is extremely important for all Canadians.

“We are celebrating Canada 150, but it’s also Turtle Island 14,000 or more. There’s something to think about as we gather here on Treaty 6 territory.”

“There’s a huge beautiful culture that exists here and not a lot of settler decedents know about it and that’s part of why we’re doing this.”  

The celebration was free of charge and included a BBQ.