THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay is expanding the Fall Feast and Gathering of Services from one day to four. The event is being renamed the Animkii Festival, and will now be organized by the Thunder Bay Aboriginal Arts and Heritage Group. A partner in the previous Fall Feasts, Aboriginal Arts and Heritage had a vision to expand the Festival into a major cultural event for the City of Thunder Bay.
“This is truly a success story,” said Anna Gibbon, Aboriginal Liaison for the City of Thunder Bay. “The Aboriginal community has always contributed to the economic, social, spiritual and cultural well-being of our community. The Animkii Festival is just another way in which the Aboriginal community is helping Thunder Bay to grow while showcasing our community to the world.”
The four days will include a festival of Community Services, a festival of Multi-Arts and Entertainment and a festival of Cultural Arts and Heritage. Animkii Festival communication coordinator David Wilkinson-Simard anticipates people will come from all over North America to participate in the arts and cultural activities taking place.
Some events include workshops for crafters and artists, a crafters market, a fashion show, a concert and a Powwow competition. The Animkii Festival will run from Thursday October 13, 2011 to Sunday October 16, 2011 at the Coliseum Building on the CLE Grounds.