National Aboriginal Day- June 21st, 2009

I woke up in Moose Jaw much earlier than expected. I was scheduled to attend the National Aboriginal Day Celebrations and Demonstration Pow-Wow at 8am. However, a violent thunderstorm at 6am interrupted the heavy slumber I had earned after a long day at the St. Victor Boogie the day before. Repeated attempts to squeeze another hour of sleep before my alarm clock went off were futile as each massive thunderclap shook the entire house.
 
Unfortunately, the event was an outdoors and the heavy downpour meant that proceeding at the scheduled time was impossible. It wasn’t until 11am that we arrived at the park, and even then it was clear that the festivities were dampened by the intermittent rain showers.
 
I took the opportunity to meet several of the event organizers and those who braved the rain to attend. There was ample opportunity to visit as many of us were desperately trying to find dry places under trees and a small roofed structure. I spent several minutes speaking with Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Deb Higgins, and I congratulated her on her Leadership campaign for the Saskatchewan NDP and her recent appointment as Deputy Leader of her party. Since becoming Leader of the Saskatchewan Liberals and I have come to appreciate the tremendous personal commitment required of people in political leadership roles. While we may differ in our views on many issues, anyone who shows that type of dedication and commitment to public life deserves our respect. 
 
At one point, I was standing in the pouring rain and saw the organizers rushing to deal with the horrible weather in the best way they could by moving everything under tents. I found their dedication to the success of the event in the face of adversity commendable, and it reminded me that celebrations like this one are not simply a social outing. They have deep meaning for people because it is an expression of their culture, an expression of who they are, and a reminder of where they come from. 
 
In a world that is getting smaller and smaller and where local traditions and customs are getting lost to a generation saturated with mass media pop culture, celebrations of local community and culture are more important than ever before.