COLD LAKE - City of Cold Lake council welcomed Shawna Janvier, CEO of Cold Lake First Nations (CLFN) Entertainment Businesses, during the April 22 regular meeting as she brought forward a request for support ahead of this year’s National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration.
Janvier, asked the City to provide tables and chairs for public seating for the upcoming Indigenous Peoples Day event, at the Casino Dene and hotel commercial land parking lot operated by CLFN.
The Indigenous Peoples Day celebration is scheduled for June 20, with setup beginning at 8 a.m. and teardown immediately after the event concludes.
“I understand that the City provided previously some tables and chairs for approximately 500 people or so," said Janvier.
The celebration has grown into a well-attended gathering for people of all ages from across the region.
“Last year we had over 1,000 people in attendance. It was very well attended,” said Janvier.
She added that the free event offers diverse cultural entertainment, including food, powwow dancers, a DJ, drummers, and cultural activities. Janvier noted that Cold Lake First Nations businesses actively support the celebration by donating goods and services.
In addition to the seating support, Janvier extended an open invitation for the City to provide a donation item, as it had in previous years.
The City's logo, along with other sponsors’ logo, are put on a t-shirt. About 1,000 t-shirts will be handed out.
Janvier wrapped up her presentation by inviting a member of council to attend the next planning meeting, which was scheduled for May 1.
Before wrapping up her presentation, Janvier offered a brief update on the current state of CLFN’s entertainment businesses.
“The casino is probably having the best year it has ever had,” she said, adding, the nearby hotel is in need of some renovations.
Council is expected to review the request and respond prior to the June 20 celebration.
