James Smith Planning European Cultural Exchange

James Smith Planning European Cultural Exchange

Monday, November 01, 2010 at 14:36

 

 

Plans are underway for a cultural exchange between the James Smith Cree Nation and European countries.

 

Chief Wally Burns says they plan to begin the exchange next summer.

 

The idea is for 40 people from James Smith and surrounding area to go to Europe to showcase First Nations pow wows and artwork.

 

Then, representatives from Europe would come over to the reserve and share their culture.

 

The culture sharing program is expected to last for about four years.

 

Burns says Serbia is one of the countries interested in the project.

 

According to the chief, there is a good chance the cultural exchange will lead to European investment in mining and hydro projects with the band.

 

Burns met with some European representatives about the idea on Thursday.

 

He says the whole process began when a band member met an engineer who expressed interest in the Cree culture.