Carrier Sekani Family Services celebrates its 25th anniversary on Thursday, July 16 with a First Nations Art Gala at the Coast Inn of the North.
The art gala, a partnership with the Two Rivers Gallery, is entitled Ying'henzit, which means rejuvenation.
"The celebration itself is about rejuvenation of the arts and making sure we preserve the traditions that have existed throughout this beautiful territory for centuries and making sure that young artists have a chance to continue with these traditions," said Olava Brooke, accreditation lead for the Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS). "We really want to preserve the culture of the north and bring the traditions back."
Proceeds from this fundraising event goes to a bursary for students pursuing indigenous arts.
All artwork for the gala has been created by First Nations artists from North Central and Northwest B.C.
"We have a variety of art that will be at the gala," said Brooke. "We have many examples of art such as moccasins, which are made the traditional way when the artists prepare the moose hide themselves, which is a very cumbersome process and so they have to soak it, stretch it, scrape it, tan it and preserve it and then they can turn it into different items like moccasins, gloves and vests."
There will be baskets created by cedar bark weaving as well as art pieces like jewelry, beadwork and dream catchers.
There is a silent and a live auction during the celebration.
"We have Melissa Barcellos from Initiatives Prince George as our auctioneer," said Brooke. "She used to do live art auctions on cruise ships so she is very experienced and I think it will be quite fun."
During the event there is a sit-down dinner.
"We wanted to do something a little more intimate and just something nice for our guests," said Brooke. Entertainment will be provided by traditional drummers.
Tickets are on sale at Prince George Community Arts Council's Studio 2880, 2820-15th Avenue. Tickets are $100 each of $900 for a table of 10.
