WINNIPEG — A new float in the Santa Claus Parade this year will be celebrating Indigenous culture and the holidays.
The very first float submitted by a First Nation band will be making its way down Portage Avenue Saturday. The Southern Chiefs’ Organization, which represents 32 First Nations communities in the province, has spent the last two weeks crafting the float.
RELATED: Grey Cup Festival Santa Claus Parade takes over downtown Winnipeg
“I’m inspired. I think everyone at the parade will take one look at this float and open their mouths in awe. It’s a complete comprehensive description of Indigenous culture,” Corey Whitford said, the communications coordinator for the group.
The float is sitting on an 18-foot flatbed and features an eight-foot traditional headdress. The feathers on the headdress were painted by 30 Indigenous youth.
The float will also carry Rhonda Head, a Cree singer who will be singing traditional carols.
Get breaking National news
“It means a lot to us to have a float in the Santa Claus Parade because it’s the first time we’ve ever embarked on a large-scale activity that celebrates First Nations’ culture,” said Whitford.
Ron Mark, the executive director of the Santa Claus Parade, said this is the first float submitted by a First Nation band. Other floats have included Indigenous culture, but this is the first one submitted by a band.
Whitford said they’re proud to showcase their heritage.
“For us it’s a moment to share our culture with everyone in Winnipeg,” Whitford said. “We think that if the children see the float they’re going to be inspired to follow the lifestyle and learn more about their culture.”
Comments