THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay is inviting everyone to the 3rd Annual Fall Feast & Gathering of Services on Thursday, Oct. 14 from 10 am to 9 pm at the Sportsdome. This event is open to the entire community and includes a Gathering of Services with over 40 Aboriginal, municipal, provincial and federal services providers on site.
There will be several new services offered from 10 am to 4 pm this year including ServiceOntario, who will be providing health card processing and Social Insurance Numbers, as well as Indian and Northern Affairs assisting with Status Cards. Aboriginal artists, artisans and crafters will also be on hand.
Students from the Lakehead Public School Board, Dennis Franklin Cromarty, Matawa Education Centre and the Thunder Bay Catholic School Board have been invited to attend and take advantage of the services that will be offered.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone, especially those new to Thunder Bay, to come out and see what resources are available. A feast is a great way to come and meet your neighbours and celebrate our community,” said Anna Gibbon, Aboriginal Liaison for the City of Thunder Bay.
The Urban Aboriginal Advisory Committee will also be launching their Collaborative Action Circles at the event. Frances Wesley, the Urban Aboriginal Planner will be introducing the Chairs of each Circle and making a presentation about the work of the Action Circles and how community members can become involved.
The Grand Entry will begin at 4:30 pm, with a welcome by Mayor Lynn Peterson and local dignitaries. The feast begins at 5:30 pm, and a traditional celebration to begin at 6:30 pm. The event concludes with a closing prayer and traditional giveaways at 9 pm.
Partners for this year’s event include The Urban Aboriginal Advisory Committee, the Aboriginal Interagency Council, the Aboriginal Arts and Heritage Council, the Sportsdome, Lakehead Public Schools, CBC Radio, and Matawa Educational Centre.