WINNIPEG – A celebration of Indigenous arts, culture and history starts Wednesday in new locations across the city.
Manitoba’s Manito Ahbee Festival is back for its 11th year at the RBC Convention Centre, Club Regent Event Centre, The Forks and University of Winnipeg.
The festival kicked off Wednesday morning with the lighting of sacred fire along with music and dance at the Oodena Circle at The Forks.
This year an Indigenous music and arts program will be launched to help artists develop and showcase their talent.
The program includes a music conference, art expo and competition challenges for quillwork, beadwork and ribbon skirt star-blankets.
Canada’s largest pow wow takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Convention Centre featuring more than 800 dancers.
There is also an Indigenous trade show, cultural outreach workshop and education day. Manito Ahbee wraps up on Sunday.