One of the special First Nations guests at the Winter Carnival this year will be Spirit Carver Dean Ross/Gilpin, a member of the Pioneer Log Homes’ team of Carver Kings.
Ross/Gilpin says he will be carving small sculptures (carry home size) that will be auctioned on site for charity.
First Nations people from around the region are also being invited to join the presentations that will be taking place in a teepee that will be set up in Boitanio Park during the Williams Lake Winter Carnival Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 30-31.
Event organizer Tanya Hutchinson says that so far two storytellers have been confirmed along with the Nenqayni Drummers who will perform on the Saturday at 2 p.m. for about 30 minutes.
Members of the group will also share stories about how they became drummers.
This year, she says they hope to have a wood-fuelled fire in the centre of the teepee instead of the gas fired unit used last year that didn’t produce much heat to keep people warm.
She is also planning to have chairs set up in a wide circle around the teepee for people to sit on.
People who would like to give presentations in the teepee can contact Hutchinson at 250-267-5320 or by e-mail tanyahutch75@gmail.com.