Page 17 - River Guide 2019

The Eel Ground (Natoaganeg) First Nation is a celebration of our Mi’kmaq heritage which includes
Mi’kmaq community located on the North West two full days of traditional dancing and drumming, with
Miramichi River just west of Miramichi City. The an amazing fireworks display over the Miramichi
Community’s origins can be traced back to the 1760's River. It is a drug and alcohol free event that showcases
when a Treaty was signed our Mi’kmaq dances, songs,
between King George and our regalia, foods, crafts, art, and
Mi'kmaq ancestors, the first more.
people of the Miramichi. The It is a true traditional
name “Eel Ground” was chosen powwow where there are no
because of the abundance of entrance or parking fees,
eels in that segment of the where those attending are
Miramichi River bordering the treated to feasts and, if you
Reserve. choose to dance, you leave
The Community’s elected with a gift and an invitation to
leaders, consisting of one Chief return next year. Our event
and nine Councillors, oversee the administration of draws spectators and participants from all over and has
numerous programs and services for Community been referred to as the biggest powwow in the
members. The Community school for grades K to 8 Maritimes.
offers instruction in Mi’kmaq to all grade levels and We are very proud of our community and its steps to
staff have worked diligently with Federal, Provincial keep up with the modern world, while we strive to keep
and private organizations translating and recording our sacred, the values and traditions of our elders. It is this
Mi’kmaq language and developing a Mi’kmaq balance that makes Eel Ground a unique community. To
curriculum to be used at the provincial level. learn more visit www.eelgroundfirstnation.ca
Once a year, the third weekend in July, the
community hosts a powwow. It is a four day
Powwow photos on this page submitted by Kim Muzerall

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