By Teena Monteleone

Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs virtual dance showcase running Indigenous Peoples Day

Jun 17, 2021 | 8:50 PM

Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs (BATC) continues to host a Virtual Dance Showcase for Indigenous History Month in June.

The event continues until June 21, Indigenous Peoples Day, on the BATC Facebook Page.

Director of operations Alexis Christensen said the organization was not able to hold events in person this year due to COVID-19 protocols, so this virtual competition was another way to mark the occasion.

“It’s just a way for dancers to be out moving, and for us to be celebrating Indigenous History Month with dance and culture,” she said.

People can submit a video of their dance performance to the BATC Facebook Page via Messenger. The organization is giving away prizes for the best performances. Categories range from the Tiny Tot to Golden Age.

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Among the performances BATC received was a video of dancer Lacy Albert of Sweetgrass First Nation.

Some of the other submissions include performances by Warren Daniels of Sturgeon Lake, Sask.; Angelin Gadwa of Edmonton, Alta.; and Ayla Delver of Saddle Lake First Nation, Alta.

The event runs until 12 p.m. on June 21.

Normally BATC hosts Treaty Day and a Powwow outside the Dekker Centre for Indigenous Day. But it has not been able to do that since 2019 due to the pandemic restrictions. So the organization is having virtual activities until times return to normal.

BATC is also having weekly virtual events this month focusing on a series of health related topics, including work life, wellness, looking after oneself spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Family life week, which is on now, will be followed by a week to celebrate pride and/or culture.

People have been sharing their favourite pictures on BATC’s Facebook Page to show something positive as it relates to them and their family for each featured week.

“For those who don’t dance it’s an opportunity to get involved as well, and have a chance to win prizes,” Christensen said.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow