Gospel concert alternative to powwows

It was standing room only at this year’s First Nations Day Gospel Concert in Thunder Bay.
“We had a very good response,” said Harvey Yesno, one of the organizers of the June 21 concert, which began at 7 p.m. at the CLE (Canadian Lakehead Exhibition) Heritage Building. “We are just trying to figure out how we can expand this concert for next year. We still need to refine our program a little bit so it is more fluid.”
The concert featured Jimmy Barkman, from Sachigo Lake, Edward Boyce, from Eabametoong, the Bernard Mekanak Band, from Bearskin Lake, and Elijah Begg, from Kingfisher Lake. Patsy Cline and Elvis from Thunder Bay Legends also made special appearances.
“People have been saying we should do something like that so we finally did last year,” Yesno said.
Sponsored by Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Bearskin Airlines and Wasaya Airways, the concert was organized to give people another way to celebrate National Aboriginal Day other than attending a powwow.
For next year’s event, Yesno said the organizers are considering adding a daytime event before the usual evening event.
“We are thinking that during the day we could showcase other artists or upcoming artists ... so there is a whole variety,” Yesno said. “That takes a little bit more organizing and arranging at the facility, but the evening (concert) will remain.”
Yesno is also considering a live broadcast of the concert over WRN (Wawatay Radio Network) for next year.
“There is interest picking up,” Yesno said, noting that he and Max Kakepetum are the main organizers but other people have helped out with various aspects of the concert.
“We were there last year, but we didn’t have as much of a turnout last year,” he said.
NAN also took part in National Aboriginal Day celebrations at Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay.
“Today we celebrate our culture, tradition, beliefs and ongoing efforts to ensure a better world for our people and future generations,” said Grand Chief Stan Beardy. “Despite much adversity faced by Nishnawbe Aski people, today we recognize and bring attention to the tremendous determination by our young people in reaching their goals and aspirations.”
National Aboriginal Day was proclaimed in June 1996 by the Governor General of Canada to celebrate Aboriginal culture and diversity while recognizing the contributions Aboriginal peoples have made towards shaping Canada.
NAN recognized the contributions made by community members over the past year, including the fundraising walk completed by Sachigo Lake’s Riley Barkman this past March and the ongoing efforts by youth from Attawapiskat and beyond to keep the dream of the late Shannen Koostachin alive.
Barkman raised more than $205,000 for the Wasaya Group Inc. CT Scanner fund for the Meno Ya Win Health Centre during his 16-day 700-kilometre walk along the winter road from his community to Sioux Lookout.
Youth and leaders continue to advocate for equal education opportunities in First Nation communities through the Shannen’s Dream campaign, which included the Shannen’s Dream Day of Action this past April on Parliament Hill.