On Saturday, October 1, two of our congregants, Peggy and Tim, attended the the inaugral Salmon and Cranberry Festival on the Kwantlen Nation lands across the Bedford Channel of the Fraser River (Fort Langley). The people of Langley were invited to share in this feast to honour and give thanks for the abundance, health benefits and nutrition gathered from these gifts.
There were Prairie Powwow dancers to start the day. All those gathered were invited to join hands and take part in the Friendship Dance. The Friendship dance is intended to extend a welcome and an invitation to friendship; it happens at most feasts. All non-indigenous guests were quite moved and honoured by the warm invitation of the Kwantlen people to join in their tradition.
The BBQ salmon and cranberry bannock were very tasty. We enjoyed a warm and peaceful day that was well attended by the community.