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A Child’s Roots are forever”
Roots 5th Anniversary Celebration Foster Parent Campout
Armstrong BC June 13, 14, 15
The weekend was a huge success, tons of fun for everyone! Friday was set up
day and we had about 15 foster families camp out, despite the rain we had
that evening. Saturday was a full day of activities and entertainment from
Traditional dancing, Metis jigging, bannock making, lacrosse, and making
Inukshuk and dreamcatchers, to just to name a few. And there were
musicians, something for everyone!
On Saturday we had over 400 people - Foster Parents and Children/Youth,
Elders, entertainers and Ministry staff taking part in the events!
We were honored to Awarded winning Dancer Ernie
Philips attend our celebration!!
In the late afternoon we honored to have a great show by the Aboriginal Music Award
winning Hip Hop band 7th Generation. Rob “Kasp” Sawan, from the group, opened by
speaking about his experience growing up in care, he spoke
of how his music helped him to change his lifestyle, maintain
his sobriety and gave him the opportunity to be a positive role model for youth.
Everyone including children, youth and Elders were up dancing and having a great
time listening to their music.
Saturday evening there was a Traditional Feast of stew and bannock and the
evening continued with more entertainment until about 10pm. We thank the
Creator - the weather continued to cooperate!
Throughout the day we gave away many door prizes that were donated by many
folks in the Interior region.
Sunday Morning there was a Father’s Day Pancake breakfast prepared by the Lion
club in Armstrong.
I was very honored to be on the organizing committee. It was a lot of work and
lots of meetings but being there, seeing the Aboriginal children in care having fun,
learning about the culture was well worth all the work. I thank the Roots worker in the Interior for letting
me be involved and my family had a great time and did not want to go home.
Masi Chok, Sheila Ridden, Interior Coordinator, Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents
