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Community Impact - Culture, Recreation & Environment

"The 9th annual International Peace Pow-wow, held in February, is based on the premise that positive interactions will reduce racism and, therefore, discrimination," she said. "This traditional winter festival provided about 3,000 Southern Albertans with an opportunity to participate in Aboriginal culture sharing."

The 5th annual AbFest, a contemporary multidisciplinary Aboriginal art festival, was held June 21 to July 1, 2007. "The co-production of the Multiculturalism Day Celebration on June 27 was an AbFest highlight," said Mary Ann. The visual art exhibit attracted more than 600 visitors, and 1,500 people enjoyed the performing arts presentations.

"Introduced in 2007, the Lethbridge Aboriginal Festival filled the gap between the other two events and maintained the momentum," Mary Ann said. "All three events used the general theme of cultural sharing as a way to reduce racism and increase understanding."

An integral part of the Sharing Circle Project is the Blackfoot Ambassadors Dance Troupe, made up of the Miss Blackfoot Canada pageant contestants. The Troup performed in numerous venues and events throughout the community.

"The events were positively received and we are very grateful to the Lethbridge Community Foundation for the grant, which made The Sharing Circle Project possible."

From the LCF Report to the Community 2007

Project To Increase Understanding

The Sharing Circle Project, produced and hosted by the Blackfoot Canadian Cultural Society, was a series of events that endeavoured to reduce discrimination and racism through the sharing of cultural experiences. The Project addressed the underlying issues created by lack of understanding, negative imagery and stereotyping by superimposing positive images of Aboriginal multidisciplinary art and artists. "The events provided opportunities for positive interaction between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people and invited audiences to commit to reducing discrimination and racism," said Mary Ann Crow Healy, Executive Director of the Blackfoot Canadian Cultural Society.