WINNIPEG, MB –The University of Winnipeg is partnering with the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council (DOTC) for the third year to present and host the DOTC First Nations Pavilion inThe University of Winnipeg’s Pangea’s Kitchen (Riddell Hall), 385 Spence Street entrance, for the week of August 5 – August 11.
New this year, the pavilion includes an art exhibition titledContemporary Indigenous Art from The University of Winnipeg. Visitors will be treated to a first-hand look at stunning prints and paintings that include works from the renowned Indian Group of Seven, pioneers of contemporary First Nations art.
Entertainment favourites Ray ‘Koko’ Stevenson and the legendary Walking Wolf Singers and Dancers return with their mix of traditional music and dance that takes the audience on a rich cultural journey. On the menu, UWinnipeg’s award-winning Diversity Food Services will once again cook up traditional and contemporary cuisine, including vegetarian chili, bison burgers and elk smokies, bannock and jam, berry crumble and — new this year — bannock pizza.
“UWinnipeg is proud to be working once again in partnership with DOTC to host the pavilion and educate through culture,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, UWinnipeg’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “We are excited to present Contemporary Indigenous Art from UWinnipeg’s own art collection to further enhance the pavilion experience.”
“For its part, in addition to being proud to have UWinnipeg as our partner, the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council views the DOTC First Nations Pavilion as an effective way to showcase pride and accomplishment and also be a ‘bridge’ to the larger Canadian society as its seeks to raise the level of awareness and information about First Nations and their people,” said Robert Daniels, CEO of the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council.
DOTC Pavilion show times are daily (August 5-11) at 6:45pm, 8:15pm, and 9:45pm; a 5:00pm show will also be held on Sunday, August 5 and Saturday, August 11.
A portion of the proceeds from the pavilion’s operation are generously donated by the DOTC to assist The University of Winnipeg’s Opportunity Fund. The fund is unique in Canada, set up specifically to ensure that Aboriginal, new Canadian and inner-city students have access to university education. Proceeds also assist youth initiatives in DOTC communities. For more about UWinnipeg’s Opportunity Fund, visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/opportunity-fund-index
Folklorama promotes the ethno-cultural diversity of Manitoba through entertainment, public celebrations of culture and education. UWinnipeg’s involvement in Folklorama reflects its ongoing outreach and commitment to community and last year more than 4,200 guests attended the pavilion.
