September 10, 2014
Province Welcomes Participants to Manito Ahbee Festival
– – –Festival Kicks Off Today
The opening of the 2014 Manito Ahbee Festival will take place today and will once again draw thousands of people to Winnipeg for a special celebration of Aboriginal culture, Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux and Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson have announced.
“We have so much talent to celebrate in this province that we declared 2014 the Year of Music in Manitoba,” Minister Lemieux said. “Manito Ahbee shines that spotlight even brighter on a well-deserving group of very talented Aboriginal performers during the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards, which is a highlight of the festival.”
The minister noted Manitoba has a proud tradition of hosting major events and this festival continues to be an excellent showcase of the province’s Aboriginal culture, art and music.
“This incredible display of talent is a great source of pride for First Nation, Métis and Inuit and we are proud to support it,” Minister Robinson added. “Manitoba is home to Manito Ahbee and the festival is an important link to our Aboriginal culture.”
From an international powwow contest to hip-hop music, the Manito Ahbee Festival brings people together to highlight different forms of Aboriginal culture throughout the gathering. The name Manito Ahbee comes from a sacred site in the Whiteshell Provincial Park where traditional teachings and wisdom have long been shared.
This year’s festival will include a youth education gathering, a Métis jigging showcase, indigenous marketplace and trade show, international powwow competition and the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards.
A full calendar of events is available at www.manitoahbee.ca.
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