Leading the way

During the first few songs, only a handful of people braved the crowds to get up and dance. But after a little while, virtually every person was participating with enthusiasm.

Perhaps even more impressive was seeing the multiple generations coming together to embrace their culture.

And as the article and photographs in this week's Georgian show, the recent mini-powwow at Appalachia High was a definite success.

The event was such a positive and uplifting experience, one can hope this type of school-based cultural experience will continue not only in St. George's, but throughout the Bay St. George area.

Earlier in the week, various members of the Mi'kmaq community and their guests gathered at the K'Taqmkuk Mi'kmaq Cultural and Historic Museum in St. George's for the Sound of Your Own Drum presentation.

While this event highlighted some of the problems and issues facing aboriginal people in the local area, it also showed that it is possible to stand up and be a part of the positive change that many people would like to see.

It may be difficult for those without Mi'kmaq heritage to fully understand what it means to be aboriginal - but supporting those that do can only strengthen the culture of the entire region.

Because culture isn't just about one-off events or recalling the past.

It's also about how we live our own lives and hopefully thrive in such a way that we're able to give the next generation an improved shot at reaching their goals and aspirations.

And we're very much interconnected - those with aboriginal heritage live side-by-side with those with other legacies and histories.

We all work, buy our groceries, travel back and forth on the road, and raise our children together. What happens to one affects us all.

So when one part of our community finds strength in their heritage and traditions, it benefits everyone else.

That said, the Georgian looks forward to attending this year's Bay St. George Mi'kmaq Powwow - taking place in Flat Bay on July 17 and 18.

It's an event unlike any other, and while it attracts people from across North America, it's most inspiring to see local people participating and enjoying the festivities.

By embracing our collective heritage and culture, we're also holding the key to a better future not only for ourselves, but the generations ahead.