REGINA — Bullet soup, Indian tacos, buffalo stew and bannock burgers — the traditional prairie dishes served at the First Nations pavilion — are a sampling of eclectic smorgasbords from around the world that will be featured at Mosaic.
Hosted at the First Nations University of Canada, the First Nations pavilion will provide a taste of its culture and proud traditions that include colourful powwow dance performances from four tribes — Nakota, Dakota, Cree and Saulteaux.
In addition to hoop dances performed by Terrence Littletent and Jacob Pratt, Metis dancers from Kitchener Community School and First Nations crafters will showcase their talents, said Doreen Oakes, the pavilion’s co-chair.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun — it’s been a lot of work,” Oakes said laughing. “This is our first time hosting it here at this campus.”
The celebration of cultures begins today when 19 pavilions open at 5 p.m.
“Mosaic is by far our most visible event,” said Michael Cassano, president of the Regina Multicultural Council. “It allows everyone in the city of Regina to get out and participate in various cultures and foods and entertainment and, of course, the fine hospitality at each and every venue.”
The three-day passports are $14 for adults, $9 for youths and seniors. The cost covers bus transportation to pavilions around Regina.
Preparations for Mosaic begin in September when entertainers start meeting to prepare the special programs.
“This is almost like their Olympics — they have been gearing up and practising,” Cassano said. “It does take a lot of effort on behalf of the dancers and performers and their parents as well.”
To supplement local entertainment, a number of pavilions are bringing in performers from across Canada, the United States and Jamaica.
“We’re drawing from every corner of the world, which is fitting because this is all about the world,” Cassano said.
He estimates between 7,000 and 9,000 volunteers are involved in Mosaic.
“If you are not volunteering at a pavilion, you certainly know someone who is because Regina is like that,” he said.
In a fitting salute to volunteers, their names will be put into a draw for a chance to win three WestJet travel vouchers. The lucky winners will be able to travel the world after Mosaic is over for another year.
Since the festival began 45 years ago, it has grown from a handful of pavilions in one small venue to 19 pavilions spread across Regina.
Although the Bangladesh and Chinese pavilions won’t participate this year, Cassano expects they will be back next year, “bigger and better than ever.”
The Scandinavian Club of Regina — expected to set up a pavilion next year — has audited planning meetings for Mosaic in preparation.
“People should be prepared to be greeted with a smile, to be greeted with respect — as if you were entering someone’s home,” Cassano said. “That’s the nice thing about it. Each and every one of the volunteers is doing it, not because of the pay, not because they have to, but because they really want to show you what their culture is all about.”
MOSAIC 2012 Pavilion locations:
Austrian Edelweiss, Austrian Canadian Edelweiss Club
Balaton Hungarian, Regina Hungarian Cultural & Social Club
Caribbean, Al Ritchie Memorial Centre
Chilean, Ukrainian Orthodox Auditorium
Ethiopian, Core Ritchie Centre
Filipinas Philippine, Banner Hall, EVRAZ Place
First Nations, First Nations University of Canada
Francophone, Carrefour des Plaines
German, German Club
Hellenic Greek, Show Sale Arena, EVRAZ Place
India, Orr Centre
Irish, Caledonian Curling Club
Italian, G. Marconi Canadian Italian Club
Korean, Caledonian Curling Club
Kyiv Ukrainian, Agribition Building, EVRAZ Place
Latin American, Highland Curling Club
Miorita Romanian, Regina Seniors Citizens Centre
Poltava Ukrainian, Regina Performing Arts Centre
Scottish Celtic, Tartan Curling Club
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post
Read more: http://www.leaderpost.com/entertainment/Regina+Mosaic+Festival+features+tastes+from+around+world/6704518/story.html#ixzz1wTGCbDBN
No comments:
Post a Comment
Post Your Comments Below and Get Yourself Entered to Win a Free T-Shirt from PartyGirl Clothing (http://www.PartyGirlClothing.webs.com). Draws will be made every 2 weeks so check back and comment regularly to increase your chances of winning.