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For immediate release
May 25, 2021

 

Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is announcing an upcoming virtual festival for youth ages 12 to 17 called Honouring the Gifts: MKO Youth Cultural Celebration.

MKO is hosting a virtual youth arts festival 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.

“This week-long festival will be a fun, interactive event bringing together communities, youth, Elders, knowledge keepers, leaders, and the business community,” shared Grand Chief Garrison Settee. “We are asking everyone to save the dates of June 21 to 25 to participate. We are currently gathering many wonderful prizes for the contests we will host for the youth.”

MKO will announce contest details soon. Youth are encouraged to stay tuned to our social media and our website at www.mkonation.com/honouringthegifts 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, “said Grand Chief Settee. “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.”

MKO is currently seeking sponsors and partners who want to invest in youth of the North. Any businesses interested in sponsoring the celebration can reach out to our event coordinator Paywapan Colomb by email at [email protected].

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For more information:
Melanie Ferris, Communications Officer
Phone: 204-612-1284
Email: [email protected]