Potluck brings flavour to traditional meeting

For the last three years, as many as 50 people have gathered every month for the All Nations Elders Meeting and Potluck Lunch held at the Moose Hall.

This Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., special guest speakers from the University of Northern B.C. will talk about Weaving Words, a festival created to provide a more prominent space and place for Aboriginal orality and literary efforts. Organizers of this September event are seeking input from the elders.

During the potluck, Marcel Gagnon and Bill Pavich will discuss renaming Kenneth Creek to an Aboriginal name, said Joyce Roberts, co-ordinator for the All Nations Elders, a non-profit association.

"They want to rename Kenneth Creek and they want to do a celebration feast this fall," added Roberts.

Elders have been going into the schools in School District 57, sharing their crafts and knowledge in order to pass down and teach traditional ways, Roberts said. Kathleen Paulson, a teacher in SD 57, will provide an update on how this has been received by teachers and students alike.

Roberts said all ages and creed attend the potluck, including babies, young children, university and college students, middle-aged people and, of course, elders.

The potluck event honours its tradition by asking everyone who attends to bring their favourite dish.

"If we have a shortage of food, it comes out of the All Nations funds, through the Urban Aboriginal Strategy and that provides our funding for this event," said Roberts.

The All Nations Elders also hold a craft day once a month, where people gather together to create ornaments for the tree the All Nations Elders will contribute to the Festival of Trees fundraiser for the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation this November.

Elders also donate squares for a quilt, with the fibre art hanging in the Aboriginal Choice school, CNC and UNBC.

"The elders really enjoyed making the squares so we have lots of leftovers so there will be one quilt made for a needy student," Roberts said. The recipient of the donated quilt will be determined by community members.

The All Nations Elders Meeting and Potluck Lunch is a free event and it's held at 663 Douglas Street. For more information call 250-562-6325 or e-mail [email protected].