Piapot Band Honours Legendary Chief

Piapot Band Honours Legendary Chief

Thursday, September 02, 2010 at 14:19

 

 

One of the Piapot First Nation’s most famous members was out to celebrate the 135th anniversary of a Treaty 4 signatory yesterday.

 

Performing artist Buffy Sainte-Marie came home to the community that adopted her to honour Chief Payepot.

 

A bronze statue of Chief Payepot was unveiled on the reserve yesterday — another statue unveiling took place today at Regina City Hall.

 

Sainte-Marie says it’s important to remember and rediscover the spirit and intent of the treaties.

 

She says that Chief Payepot’s people are grateful for securing the land they now occupy in the Qu’Appelle Valley.

 

The Regina Symphony Orchestra is partnering with the Piapot band to honour their legendary chief.

 

“Oscana”, a multi-media symphony, is making it’s world debut tomorrow at Regina’s Conexus Arts Centre as the finale to the Chief Payepot celebrations.

 

Composer and conductor Andrew Balfour says the show is a tribute to the land and all its people.

 

The show will feature powwow dancers and Aboriginal musicians on traditional flute and hand drum, as well as visuals of buffalo.

 

Sainte-Marie will perform an honour song during the event.