The Prince George Native Friendship Centre will host a community round dance later this month.
"It's an opportunity for people to come together in friendship and in this case we're going to celebrate the coming of spring and that new life and the nurturing of new life that spring brings to us," PGNFC executive director Barb Ward-Burkitt said.
Set for the Roll-A-Dome on Fri., May 24 and Sat., May 25, it's expected as many as 300 people will have participated by the time all is said and done. Everyone is invited, all you have to do is show up.
"It's open to the community, whoever wants to come by can come by," Ward-Burkitt said.
Popularized by the plains Indians, round dances are characterized by hand drums - as opposed to the large communal drums seen at powwows - and songs specific to the form. They are also known for the large circle of dancers of all ages.
"You see babies that pushed around the dance floor in strollers all the way up to elders," Ward-Burkitt said.
Dancers are advised to bring their mocassins, pillows, hand drums and lawn chairs.
Friday's round dance goes from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a 45 minute break for a feast. On Saturday, it's from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. followed by a closing ceremony that runs until 5 p.m. A pipe ceremony and protocols precede each event, which are alcohol and drug free.
"Part of it is just being able to showcase that we can come together in a positive way and have a really good time and entire families can be a part of that," Ward-Burkitt said.
Entry is free and transportation will be provided from the event, although not to the event, to drop off points around Prince George. Registration at the event is required for that service.
