September 9, 2015
Province Supports 10th Manito Ahbee Festival
– – –Enjoy Culture, Spirit of Manitoba's Indigenous People: Minister Lemieux
The provincial government is inviting everyone to experience Manitoba’s Indigenous culture and heritage at the 10th annual Manito Ahbee festival, Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux announced today.
“Manito Ahbee is an international event that all Manitobans can enjoy and be proud of,” Minister Lemieux said. “Once again, organizers have created an impressive showcase of performers, artists, crafters and elders that will share Indigenous culture and heritage with the world. Manito Ahbee truly showcases that Manitoba is where Canada’s heart beats.”
The festival runs today to Sept.13 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg.
"Manito Ahbee has established itself as one of the only festivals of its kind in the world. I encourage Manitobans and visitors from around the world to share in the arts, music and culture of North America’s Indigenous people,” Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson said.
The festival represents an opportunity to experience the province as truly a ‘home for all people’. Manito Ahbee, an Ojibway word, means ‘where the Creator sits’. Manito Ahbee is named after one of the most important and significant traditional Aboriginal gathering sites in all of Turtle Island (North America). This site is located in the western Whiteshell area of Manitoba and marks the location where the creator makes his home, Minister Robinson said.
Manito Ahbee unites both residents and visitors in a spirit of celebration, honouring the creator and the seven sacred teachings: love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility and truth, the minister added.
Highlights include the Indigenous Music Awards, an international competition powwow, a Métis music and dance showcase, Indigenous marketplace and trade show as well as education days to be held at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
The festival is made possible with the support of the Manitoba government, and sponsorships from Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, Manitoba Public Insurance and many national corporations.
For more information, visit https://manitoahbee.ca/home.
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