The aboriginal elders gathering is big, but organizers are hearing it could have been even bigger.
"We have 2,200 elders from all over the province registered as of today, but it is also open to the public so the crowds are going to be even bigger," said Rena Zatorski, project manager of the 37th annual BC First Nations Elders Gathering. "From what we have been able to ascertain, though, we could have had 1,000 more people come in, but Prince George ran out of rooms. We were told P.G. is all booked up, including the dorms at CNC and UNBC. As a city, we just aren't ready to handle really big events like this."
Complicating matters is the special needs of a lot of the elders who wish to attend. They are part of a demographic prone to need special dietary, mobility and health features in their travel accommodations.
This was also a challenge for the main venue. The Charles Jago Sports Centre at UNBC could easily take in the thousands of participants but that would put too much foot-traffic stress on the turf. CN Centre was the next largest space but not everyone can fit down on the exhibit floor so many will be faced with the challenges of stairs and tiered seating.
Spacial challenges aside, Zatorski said there was no issue attracting delegates and stage talent to the event. For international aboriginal leader Ed John and Okanagan-based musician Kym Gouchie, it was a change to come back to their home region. For standup comedian Moccasin Joe, Union of BC Indian Chiefs president Stewart Phillip and former Lt. Governor Steven Point, it was a chance to bring in their considerable reputations as honoured guests.
There is also a long list of all-local talent and expertise on the three-day agenda.
"They will have a very full three days, that's for sure," said Zatorski. Speeches, workshops, cultural activities and nation-to-nation networking opportunities are part of the agenda.
The event begins this morning with pomp and ceremony. Delegates will march into CN Centre grouped in their respective First Nations, wearing traditional regalia, waving their tribal flags, to the sound of traditional drums.
Following that spectacle, Regional District chair Art Kaehn, mayor Shari Green, UNBC president George Iwama with wife Marilyn Iwama, and host chief Dominic Frederick of the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation will take turns welcoming everyone in attendance. Local residents Duncan and Mary Gouchie will be recognized as the honorary king and queen of the event.
Following that, the official theme, Honour Your Journey, will be the subject of the Lheidli T'enneh host committee's opening presentation. This is the anniversary marking 100 years since this area's resident aboriginal community was moved from its Prince George location into its current village of Shelley, located northeast of downtown Prince George.
"We are absolutely aware that the 100 years has had some obstacles to overcome - starting with being burned out of our village and forcibly relocated to the Shelley reserve, and part of our burial grounds bulldozed into the river," Zatorski said. "Those were two large traumas in our history, so we are going to hold a water ceremony during the elders gathering to help the healing we are still doing from those traumatic events inflicted on us."
The general public is welcome to attend. All the events today will be held at CN Centre, all events Wednesday and Thursday will take place at UNBC. For a full agenda, visit their website at www.37theldersgathering.ca.
