The Federation of Newfoundland Indians is concerned that as elders are passing on, the Mi'kmaq culture is gradually slipping away. Thanks to a project that is being partially funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, the youth of the FNI will be given the opportunity to gain a sense of themselves and to learn about the traditional teachings of the sacred drum, song, and dance of their Mi'kmaq people, said Candace Russell, youth co-ordinator with the FNI.

From July 5-8, 36 youth from across the nine band areas of the FNI will have the chance to take part in a workshop led by Eastern Eagle Singers, a group of professional Mi'kmaq Singers from the Indian Brook First Nation in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia. The group has been singing together sing 1993 and has travelled to Pow wows throughout Canada and the United States.

"The uniqueness of this workshop is entailed in the passing on of Mi'kmaq traditions and culture to young, up and coming artists who have not had a previous opportunity to learn or benefit from the power of their Mi'kmaq culture", said Russell. "This is a culture that is near non-existent and will have the opportunity to rise again in this unforgetable experience which will give our youth a chance to carry on their lost culture in the form of song, drum, and dance.

The workshop will take place in Stephenville and will involve four youth between the ages of 14 - 18 from each of the nine band areas throughout the FNI. The first two days of the workshop will focus on the youth being taught the teachings of the drum by Eastern Eagle. Throughout the two days, the participants will learn how to respect, honor, and carry on the drum as a significant part of their culture. Eastern Eagle will also share with the participants some of the teachings of song and dance.

The final day of the workshop, July 8th, will involve a traditional Mi'kmaq Celebration Day to be held at Indian Head Park in Little Port Harmon. This day will inclide a cultural presentation given by the youth participants and Eastern Eagle. The youth will be given the opportunity to show the community what they have learned over the course of the workshop. Various other traditional activities starting with a sunrise ceremony at 5 am. Activities will take place throughout the day including a traditional feast. All members of the community are welcome to share in our Mi'kmaq Celebration Day. **Please remember that this is an alchol and drug free celebration**.

Any youth between the ages of 14 - 18 who are members of FNI, and are interested in taking part in the workshop must participate in an short essay contest. In this essay, applicants must explain why they feel it is important to bring back their Mi'kmaq culture through song and dance, and state their interest in the continuation of a drum and dance group in their band area.

All essays must be received on or before June 18, in order to be considered as a participant. All essays or further inquiries may be directed to Candace Russell, at P. O. Box 956, Corner Brook, NL, A2H 6J3.

She can also be reached by telephone at 709-634-6299 or toll free at 1-800-634-6299. Fax: 709-639-2257 or through email at candace@fni.nf.ca

Check back after the workshop (July 5-8) for photos!