Participants at the Annual Christmas Party enjoy traditional dance with their chosen clans.
On December 13, 2014, all participants at the Annual Children’s Christmas Party held at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre were challenged to participate in traditional dance, with the intention to cultivate spirit and participation amongst the urban aboriginal community. The Git Hayetsk led by Mike Dangeli, coordinated and taught the participants how to dance according to the traditional ways of the raven, eagle, killer whale and wolf clans. Anyone belonging to the clans was welcome to participate accordingly. Cedar rose-making was added to the agenda for those whom were unable to take part in the dancing. By all accounts, the activities were well-received and enjoyable for all.
"It was the best Friendship Centre event that we’ve been to and the dancing was a lot of fun"
This Winter Challenge created something new and fresh for the urban aboriginal community. The traditional dance challenge provided an opportunity for the community guests to learn and participate, and to mingle and get to know other urban Aboriginal people. In this capacity, the dance challenge was excellent as a way of developing relationships.
The traditional dance challenge was a highlight for many at the event. The smiles on the floor were a great indication of this. Also, the long lines showed that the cedar-rose making was very popular. These were new and different ideas that will be continued in years to come to encourage a more exciting, participatory and cultural experience for all in the urban Aboriginal community.