Honouring the Gifts: MKO Youth Cultural Celebration

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc. is pleased to host a virtual festival for youth ages 12 to 17 called Honouring the Gifts: MKO Youth Cultural Celebration from June 21-25, 2021.

The festival will honour, celebrate, and empower youth as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. The festival will focus on Indigenous arts and culture in various categories, including traditional dance, music, arts & crafts, and poetry.

Save the dates of June 21 to 25 to participate. MKO is gathering many wonderful prizes, including iPads and iPhones, for the contests we will host for youth.

To participate, we are asking you to join a Facebook group where you will be able to take part in our contests.

Stay tuned to our MKO social media channels and our website for more information and announcements about the celebration:

“As a former teacher, I continue to be concerned about children and teenagers as we live through this COVID-19 pandemic. I know the pandemic has impacted youth in major ways, with schools shutting down, sports being more difficult to access, and travel being restricted. I also know youth are missing their friends and extended family as the restrictions mean we cannot have any gatherings. With this upcoming celebration, MKO is aiming to create a safe, online space where youth can gather, share their talents, and have some fun during the first week of summer.”
~Grand Chief Garrison Settee

Sponsors:

MKO recognizes the following sponsors of the youth celebration:

  • Northwest Company
  • Manitoba Indigenous and Northern Relations
  • Unifor National
  • Vale
  • Sysco
  • Vickar Community Chevrolet
  • Bell Canada
  • Perimeter Airlines
  • FastAir Ltd.
  • Missinippi Airways
  • The Winnipeg Foundation
  • Pukatawagan Community Enhancement and Recreation
  • Burntwood Hotel
  • Thompson Inn
  • Kennedy Energy
  • Thompson Walmart
  • Workplace Solutions
  • RBC (Royal Bank of Canada)
  • Unifor Local 5555
  • Northland Ford
  • Thompson Ford
  • Mystery Lake Hotel
  • NCI-FM/NOW Country 104.7

MKO is seeking sponsors and partners who want to invest in youth of the North. If you are interested in sponsoring the celebration, please contact our event coordinator.

Meet our event coordinator: Paywapan Colomb

My name is Paywapan Colomb, I am a Mathias Colomb Cree Nation band member of Pukatawagan, Manitoba. I grew up in Pukatawagan until I left to further my education after my high school graduation, which has brought me to Winnipeg Manitoba where I currently reside.

If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact Paywapan by:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (431) 336-3098