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Aboriginal Festivals Promote Culture and Tourism
The Maamwi Kindaaswin Festival & Powwow
and National Aboriginal Day events are two of the festivals organized by the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre and partners. Each year, members of our community look forward to participating in many aspects, from planning and organizing, to performing and attending with family members.
The Mamwai Kidaasawin Festival is an annual, three-day, outdoor, family-friendly celebration of Aboriginal culture and traditions. With a powwow as its centrepiece, each year thousands of Aboriginal and non-aboriginal visitors watch and participate in activities featuring local Aboriginal cultures and traditions. As well, a popular annual two-day Children’s Powwow involving an estimated 500 to 1000 individuals and families was recently merged with the larger festival.
National Aboriginal Day is also well attended. With cultural activities for Aboriginal, Métis, and Inuit members of our community, there are also activities organized for the general public and local schools join in the celebrations.
All of these events play an important role in meeting Aboriginal community member needs
to participate in traditional ceremonies and celebrations. Many dancers and their families follow the Powwow trail or participle in cultural drumming across different regions in Ontario and in the United States. The festivals also bring Aboriginal families and communities from near and far together. Family and community reunions take place at every event. Throughout, Aboriginal culture, knowledge and traditions are promoted and shared among Aboriginal and non-aboriginal participants.
But the Festivals also achieve much more.
Regional, provincial, federal and Canadian tourism leaders identify Aboriginal tourism as a priority tourism area (Ministry of Tourism,
Government of Canada). According to the Canadian Tourism Commission, “Aboriginal tourism [is] a key tourism focus with growth potential in international markets.” The Government of Canada reports, “Aboriginal tourism is one of Canada’s unique strengths, in both the domestic and international markets... demand for Aboriginal Tourism is outpacing capacity... particularly near gateway cities and major tourism routes.”
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Aboriginal tourism is one of Canada’s unique strengths, in both the domestic and international markets... demand for Aboriginal tourism is outpacing capacity... particularly near gateway cities and major tourism routes.
Canadian Tourism Commission
North Bay is such a gateway city, actively contributing to the $13 million dollars added to local economies across Ontario each year.
Aboriginal Tourism Ontario Strategy