BATCHEWANA FIRST NATION – Batchewana First Nation (BFN) leadership are pleased to announce that the Homecoming celebration 2012, has kicked off in a very positive way. Yesterday was the initial day of the celebration commencing with an opening ceremony at the Rankin Pow Wow grounds.
A sacred fire began the day and teepee was constructed to house the new Batchewana First Nation Eagle Staff.
The Homecoming gathering is an event intended to bring membership and leadership together to engage in discussions on current initiatives, and future planning for the First Nation.
This is a special time for Batchewana First Nation members who live on and off reserve to come together, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Culturally based workshops based on priority areas developed by BFN Chief and Council are offered throughout the celebration.
Chief Sayers had this to say about the festivities, “We have been busy planning this celebration for quite some time, and it has been a work of passion. This is a chance for us to revisit where we have been, assess where we are, to plan a
brighter future for our young ones”.
Workshops include information on First Nation’s claims and assertions, economic opportunities, political action plans, creation story teachings and much more.
Each night of the Homecoming offers different types of entertainment. Last night BFN hosted a country music concert with Crystal Shawanda. The turnout was tremendous and the local food bank received an overflowing amount of donations (which was the only admittance fee).
Tonight BFN will host stand up comedian, Gerry “The Big Bear” Barrett.
Interested participants are asked to bring your own chairs, blankets and canned good donations to the Rankin Baseball field at 7pm. Tomorrow, the final night of the Homecoming will be the BFN Chi (big) Bingo. The Chi Bingo offers over
$25, 000 in prizes, doors open at 5:30pm and start time is 7:00pm.
Local Youth attend Creation Story Workshop with Facilitator: Will Morin BFN Chief and Council would like to thank those who have participated in the workshops and encourage all membership to join the fun the rest of the week!
Chief and Council would also like to recognize the Homecoming platinum sponsors; Gilead Power Corp., EPOH, Northland Power, DP Energy, and Sprott Power Corp., for their generous contributions.
BFN Pow Wow, “Hounouring Our Veterans” will be held this weekend from August 31- September 2, 2012. There is rough camping available and anishinaabe craft and food vendors will be on site.
Grand entry will be held on Saturday September 1st at 1pm & 7pm, and again on Sunday September 2nd, at 12noon.
Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend. Come on out and help show our veterans the respect and appreciation they deserve!
Story by: Alex Syrette, BFN Communications Coordinator