Youth Given Pointers On Round Dances

Youth Given Pointers On Round Dances

Monday, December 15, 2008 at 13:27

 

 

Officials at Sakewew High School in North Battleford say many young Aboriginal people don’t know the protocol for round dances.

 

So they held a conference on Friday to teach them about that aspect of First Nations culture.

 

Ron Thunder, an elder at the high school, cited several examples of straying from Aboriginal tradition.

 

For one thing, he said people shouldn’t clap after elders speak.

 

He said that’s a tradition in the non-Native world — not the Aboriginal one.

 

He also said people shouldn’t take notes when things like round dance protocol are described, because it’s sacred.

 

Thunder said many young people also don’t take the drum seriously.

 

Not surprisingly, the conference concluded with a round dance.

First Nations Bank Expands To Meadow Lake

Monday, December 15, 2008 at 13:35

 

 

A new branch of the First Nations Bank of Canada opened its doors on the Flying Dust First Nation for the first time today.

 

The branch is located in a new office complex owned by the band, and features an all-Aboriginal staff with previous experience in the banking industry.

 

Board executive chair Keith Martell says the Meadow Lake area was chosen because it’s a central location for Aboriginal communities in the northwest the bank already serves.

 

He also says the First Nations Bank is now exploring possible expansion to Prince Albert or North Battleford.

 

The Flying Dust outlet is the bank’s sixth full-service branch in Canada.