reposted April 2006
Here are some pictures of PSAC’s “55 foot” Tepee that was erected at the 26th Assembly of First Nations AGM and Trade Show in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories from July 4-7, 2005. We are happy to report that the giant Tepee received national press and media coverage, and is being touted as the largest ever erected in the North. Federal NDP leader Jack Layton was in attendance.
The painting on the canvas is a gift to the PSAC from internationally acclaimed Dene artist Archie Beaulieu and the Tepee is the property of PSAC’s National Aboriginal Inuit and Métis (NAIM) Network. Archie Beaulieu will complete the painting at the Dene National Assembly in August 2005.
Here are some photos of the event.
PSAC’s participation at the event was a collaborative effort between the Dene Nation, NAIM, PSAC North, PSAC Ontario, PSAC BC, PSAC Yellowknife Regional Office, Union of Northern Workers (UNW) and the Organizing Program. This special project is a great success story and the Tepee is symbolic of PSAC’s commitment to building a stronger partnership and working relationship with Aboriginal, Inuit and Métis members, leaders, communities and staff.
During the course of the week, over 3000 people visited the Tepee, including Chiefs from the various communities across Canada. The Tepee was also used as a cultural centre for the Native Women’s Association of the NWT and for local Aboriginal artists. At the site of the Tepee erection, Dene medicine man Bob Wasicuna blessed the ground and lit the sacred fire which was kept burning until the completion of the Assembly. This structure, which has been honoured in traditional ceremonies, is a priceless treasure of the PSAC NAIM network and our members.