Elders arrive in Prince Rupert for annual gathering

The traffic into Prince Rupert this weekend has been like a BCAA tour guide of the far reaches of British Columbia, with cars and vans from across the province have arrived, their passengers eager to take part in the annual gathering of British Columbia’s First Nations.

All through the weekend, people have filled up the hotel, motels and bed and breakfast homes, all while the Kaien Island Elders make their last minute preparations to host this much treasured event which brings together Elders, eager to share and continue to learn as the gathering begins today and continues through to Wednesday.

It’s the continuation of a 32 year tradition, which began when the Sto:lo nation and its Coqualeeza Elders hosted the various First Nations on their territory. This year the Kaien Island Elders return the favour and host the event, as Elders gather in our city seeking out common ground to strengthen their links

A variety of meetings, workshops, family gatherings and information sessions are planned, as well as an entertaining opening night event, set to welcome the elders to the north coast.

The local website for the event has been having problems it seems and has been out of service for the weekend, once those difficulties are taken care of, you will be able learn more about the event and its importance to the First Nations across the province.
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Until then you can gain a thumbnail sketch of the event from this information from the B. C. Elders Communication Centre Society website.

The planning of the event began well before the Kaien Island Elders first learned they would host, some of the work to bring the gathering together was chronicled by the Daily news last year

Elders win bid to host a huge 2008 gathering
Planning underway for elders gathering
Planning already begun for '08 elders gathering

The Daily news highlighted tonight’s All Nations Variety show in Friday’s paper.

Elders to hear famed sounds of many top entertainers
BY CARLA WINTERSGILL
The Daily News
Friday, July 04, 2008
Pages one and three

One of the highlights of the upcoming Elder's Gathering is sure to be Monday's All Nations Variety Show, taking place at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre.

The many performers set to take the stage include, Fara Palmer, The 7th Generation, Tsimshian Dancers, Street Spirit Crew, Nassville 5's, Glen Robinson, Gingolx Choir, Lil' Kiki and the Wolf, Mudcat Joe and more.

Palmer, who has released three Juno-nominated albums, is excited to be performing at the Elders Gathering for the second time. Last year, she sang in Vancouver when the event was held there.

"I had a wonderful time," said Palmer.

"There were just elders everywhere. When I got onstage I almost started crying. I was surrounded by so much wisdom and knowledge and medicine. I just felt so happy to be there. It was one of my best performances."

Palmer is from the Saulteaux First Nations in Saskatchewan and is part Cree as well.

She currently lives with the Skeetchestn Indian Band in between Kamloops and Cache Creek.

Her latest album, Phoenix, has been nominated in five categories for the Aboriginal People's Choice Awards. Palmer hopes that her performance in Prince Rupert will encourage people to check out her music and vote for her.

"I call myself pop, R&B, Aboriginal folk-rock," said Palmer about her style of music.

"Each of my albums has at least two songs that deal with aboriginal issues. Some of them are contemporary music with native issues and lyrics and some of them might have contemporary and native sounds in them too."

She is returning to music after an eight-year hiatus to focus on her family.

She now has four daughters.

Before taking time off, she shared the stage with performers including, Ray Charles, Sarah McLachlan and Jann Arden. She once performed for Prince Charles.

Palmer is looking forward to returning to Prince Rupert to perform. The last time she was in town, she played the All-Native basketball tournament. During her performance, she sang with the Metlaktla Women’s basketball team.

“It was one of my really great and memorable performances,” said Palmer. “As far as concerts go, that was one of my favourites. I’m really looking forward to coming back.