18th Manito Ahbee Festival kicks off in Winnipeg
The 18th Manito Ahbee Festival, which celebrates Indigenous arts, culture and music, kicked off in Winnipeg with the lighting of a sacred fire on Thursday.
Executive Director Lisa Meeches said she expects Indigenous influencers from across the country will be at the five-day festival, which features everything from a powwow to sports.
It started with a youth empowerment celebration at the Red River Exhibition Park.
“The message is about the next generation of Indigenous people that are willing to take on the role of just becoming the decision makers,” Meeches said. “We’re preparing them … for that journey.”
“Its important for Indigenous youth to just have a say … because I don’t feel like we barely do get that,” said Madison Sinclair, one of about 2,500 students who registered for the event.
In addition, sporting activities got started with a golf tournament at the Breezy Bend Country Club.
On Friday, a tipi raising contest will be held and the powwow will start in the evening. There will be five dance categories with numerous specials and a singing competition with a grand prize of $12,000 with invited drums from Alberta, Minnesota, Wisconsin, as well as local groups.
On Saturday, the Red Road Runway Fashion show will be held.
“We’ve been making big splashes as Indigenous people on The Can, Carpet Festival and New York and L.A. and all of these amazing runways,” Meeches said. “We wanted to bring that to Manitoba.”
There will also be a ribbon skirt contest, Inuit and Dene showcase and Miss Manito Ahbee will be crowned.
In addition, there will be a contest, with the chance to win up to $5,000, for Indigenous entrepreneurs pitching business ideas.
Ball hockey and basketball tournaments will take place Saturday and Sunday. And there will be horse racing at the Assiniboia Downs on Monday.
Free transit shuttles will be available.
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