Dinner at the National Arts Centre

After a full day, the delegates were invited to a dinner prepared by chef David Wolfman and served under the tent on the terrace at the National Arts Centre. Chef Wolfman's menu paid special tribute to the Métis, First Nations and Inuit.

Dreamweavers

The first day of the Gathering ended with Tom Jackson's production of Dreamweavers. The show, which began in total darkness to the sound of a drum beating like a heart, was a resounding success, a high point of the Gathering and a hopeful performance.

Artists:

Michelle Thrush, George Leach, Moody X 2, Jacinthe Trudeau, Florent Vollant, Sandy Scofield, Lisa Odjig, Alex Wells, Susan Aglukark, Shannon Gaye and Tom Jackson

Dancers:

Adrian Abel, Sid Bobb, Penny Couchie, Sonia Cunning, Frank Jackson,
Julia Jamieson, Shoshona Kish, Cherith Mark, Brandon Oakes, Matthew Pakozdy, Matthew Pheasant, Cheri Smith, Santee Smith and Carla Soto

Choreographer:

Alejandro Ronceria

MINISTER'S FOREWORD

I am pleased to present you with the report of the National Gathering on Aboriginal Artistic Expression which took place from June 17-19, 2002. The body of this report summarizes the panel and workshop discussions and, most importantly, identifies key recommendations, which I look forward to exploring alongside the Aboriginal artistic community.

The National Gathering on Aboriginal Artistic Expression proved to be an event where candid and important discussions could take place. It provided both me personally and the other federal participants with an invaluable opportunity to listen and hear the many diverse issues facing the Aboriginal artistic community.

May I express a special thank you to all of the speakers and performers who participated in this initiative. The obvious dedication and thought put into the speakers' texts triggered thoughtful discussions. The performers seen in both performance events inspired everyone, reminding us all of the incredible talent alive in the Aboriginal community.

It was both an honour and a pleasure to have this event opened by Elder William Commanda, who welcomed us all with a blessing on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Nation. His words of wisdom speaking to our need to listen to each other with our minds and hearts will remain with me as we move towards finding solutions.

Let us now commit ourselves to exploring strategies to address the suggestions for action identified by you, the Aboriginal artistic community, in this report.

Sincerely,

The Honourable Sheila Copps
Minister of Canadian Heritage