Two day Metlakatla forum to explore prospects for a Culture and Heritage Program

For two days later this week, members of the Metlakatla First Nation will be discussing culture and heritage as part of a forum set for Prince Rupert's North Coast Convention Centre on Friday and Saturday.

The event is designed to engage members of the Metlakatla community in the development of a Culture and Heritage program, with feedback from community member to be collected over the course of the two days of sessions.

Participants in the event will hear from a range of experts on a number of topics related to heritage and cultural preservation, as well staff members from the Metlakatla Stewardship Society will offer their insight to local issues.

Friday's program features a look at areas such as archaeology and oral history, foreshore preservation, clam beds in the territory as well as traditional use studies and family history.

Saturday the focus turns towards history, art, language, culture as well as indigenous and traditional law.

Following presentations on each of the topics, members of the Metlakatla community will have the opportunity to discuss the subjects under consideration with others in a round table format.

There will also be a number of multi-media presentations available for participants to view through the course of the two days, further exploring themes related to the proposed program for the Metlakatla territory, as well as offering a look at some initiatives from other nations.

Friday's session starts at 10 AM, with registration opening at 9 AM, the day's program runs through until 4 :30 PM.

Saturday registration and a breakfast take place at 8:30 AM, with the day's events starting at 9 AM wrapping up at 4:30 PM.

Lunch is planned for those in attendance for both days and there will be gifts for members and a draw will take place for two cedar hats as part of the program.

The event is open only to Members of the Metlakatla First Nation that are fifteen years of age and older, those with plans to attend are asked to contact Lindsay Reeve by email at lreeve@metlakatla.ca

The North Coast Convention Centre is part of the Chances complex on 1st Avenue West overlooking Prince Rupert harbour.

More background on events and notes from Metlakatla can be found from the community's website and Facebook page.

You can find more items of interest from Metlakatla as part of our archive page here.