The Prince Albert Grand Council’s first Fine Arts Festival began 33 years ago when one of the PAGC Education Consultants realized that there was no real venue for the many talented First Nations’ children to express their artistic talent.
The first Fine Arts Festival hosted approximately 200 students plus the chaperones from the 12 First Nations of the Prince Albert Grand Council for two days. Events at the original Fine Arts Festival included all aspects of the visual and performing arts. Today, the Fine Arts Festival consists of well over 1700 students and chaperones and is 4 days in length. The Prince Albert Grand Council First Nations consist of the following: Black Lake; Cumberland House; Fond du Lac; Hatchet Lake; James Smith; Lac La Ronge; Montreal Lake; Peter Ballantyne; Red Earth; Shoal Lake; Sturgeon Lake and Wahpeton.
Today, many of the original categories still exist, but with additions such as Literature in the First Language and Oratory. Many of the categories include students using their own First Nation Language in literature, music, and drama – PAGC has three distinct languages: Cree, Dene, and Dakota. The festival has made an impact on many students. We have had entrants who have written their own plays, songs, and poetry.
In providing the students with this type of an event, we hope to assist them in setting goals that will result in future careers in the Fine Arts. Through this process, it is our hope that students will gain respect for themselves and others, confidence in their abilities, and the knowledge that they are a winner.
NLCDC’s contribution has helped grow this event over the years. We look forward to a brighter future in the arts for our children.