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Nisga’a Nation hosts this year’s elders gathering
Thursday, June 4th, 2009 by GetawayBC.com
The Nisga’a Nation elders are hosting the 33rd Annual Aboriginal Elders Gathering in Terrace, B.C. July 13, 14, and 15 this year.
The event is hosted by the Nisga’a Nation Elders from the Terrace Nisga’a local and the four villages in the Nass Valley, Gingolx, Laxgalts’ap, Gitwinksihlkw and New Aiyansh.
New Aiyansh residents Melvin & Rosie Robinson – Sim’oogit Gook gans Sigidimnak Yool’ – were chosen to be the King & Queen for the BC Elders for 2008/2009 at last year’s gathering in Prince Rupert, which was good news for the community.
The Elder King and Queen host the next year’s gathering, but their community was deemed too small to accommodate the influx of visitors. The decision was then made to have the gathering in Terrace by the Nisga’a Nation Elders.
The gathering will take place at Terrace’s new and upgraded sportsplex that officially opened last fall.
The first day will start out with a Welcome Banquet hosted by Nisga’a Lisims Government featuring the community’s famous Nisga’a Stew. The elders will then be treated to some local dancing – dancers and drummers from Gitlaxdamix, Gitwinkshilkw, Laxgalts’ap, Gingolx, Terrace Nisga’a Society, Prince Rupert/Port Edward Nisga’a Society and Vancouver Nisga’a Society will be performing.
The next day elders will experience a tribal picnic, featuring all the traditional food of the Nisga’a Nation. Night entertainment will consist of a “Nisga’a Idol Talent Night,” showcasing the talents of the Nisga’a people.
There will be a number of presenters, workshops and tours of the surrounding area throughout the three days.
The will also be arts and crafts vendors and information booths at the gathering. The new King and Queen will be crowned in the closing ceremony on the last day.
There are approximately 3,000 elders and 500 support workers and families of the elders from around the province expected to participate in the gathering in addition members of the Nisga’a Nation.
All those who are aged 55 and over must register by June 15, 2009. Registration is $30.
Please call (250) 633-2242, fax (250) 633-2265 or email kathleenc@nisgaa.net or margaretn@nisgaa.net for more information. ;