Leader-Post: New First Nations pavilion opens at Agribition

The Cree Spirit drum group plays during the opening
of the first-ever First Nations pavilion at the Canadian
Western Agribition on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011.

Photograph by: Troy Fleece, Regina Leader-Post

Twelve years ago, Elmer Eashappie had a vision of including First Nations in Agribition and this year, his dream became a reality.

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Additional comments from Glen Pratt, chief of George Gordon First Nation 

“Young people are obviously our future," said Pratt. "It’s important that our young people have that ability to see the whole world, that they’re not just confined to their First Nation, that in fact they themselves can become a part of the Agribitiion as a participant and also just to learn more about what Agribition is about, what the way of life is for farmers and ranchers and so on.”

The Cree Spirit drum group plays during the opening
of the first-ever First Nations pavilion at the Canadian
Western Agribition on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011.

Photograph by: Troy Fleece, Regina Leader-Post

Comments from Perry Bellegarde, chief of Little Black Bear First Nation

Bellegarde said the First Nations people are involved in many sectors in Saskatchewan and Canada and education increases awareness, which can lead to action and relationship building.

“Having a First Nation pavilion, it tells not only ourselves, but the Agribition team, people in Saskatchewan that First Nations are part of this sector as well,” said Bellegarde. “We need to be a part of every sector that’s operating in this economy that deals with poverty and unemployment and everything else.”