Robert Fisher
Staff Reporter
BANCROFT – Trevor Minnie, resource strategist with the Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini (KMM) Algonquins, organizer of the inaugural Indigenous Expo in Bancroft was pleased with the success of the event. “So far (Saturday), this is going to be a yearly event,” he said, in a very busy arena at the North Hastings Community Centre.
In the works for about six months, Minnie said he wanted to bring Indigenous groups together in a smaller setting to bring cultures together. Events like the expo, Minnie believes, are part of the concept of truth and reconciliation. “Bring non-native people together with native people. It’s not just for Indigenous people. It’s for everybody to come and learn the culture,” he explained.
Event vendors were, primarily, Indigenous artists and craftspeople from across southern Ontario and some from northern Ontario. A business area included TD Bank; which sponsored the event along with the Community Futures Development Corporation of North & Central Hastings and South Algonquin, two Indigenous student groups from Brock University in St. Catharines and Durham College in Oshawa. Loyalist College was to come on Sunday.
Vendors included artists with traditional paintings and drawings, wood-fired maple syrup, locally made honey, artists who make ribbon skirts and other clothing, carving and bladesmiths among the exhibit tables.
“It’s a good variety,” of exhibitors, which included Métis groups. All Indigenous groups were welcome to participate.
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