Safe Harbour’s 17th annual Community Spring Feast started yesterday and goes on until Saturday at Fort Normandeau.
This year’s theme is “All Together” and is a meaningful celebration of community, culture and connection to honour the spirit of belonging.
The four-day annual event was created 16 years ago to fill a spiritual gap in local Indigenous communities, providing them with space and opportunity to celebrate new life and honour those who have passed on.
“Honouring ancestors and the ones who gave up sacrifices — big sacrifices, including that industrial school across the river. Ones who didn't come home — they made sacrifices so you could sit here today as Indigenous people who are no longer survivors, they're thrivers,” says Elder Corky Larsen-Jonasson, who is head feast woman for the event.
The community gathers for three days of teachings, ceremonies, wellbriety, sweat lodges and connection.
On the fourth day, they feast — and welcome everyone to attend.
“I think people over time have lost their fear of being part of an Indigenous ceremony,” she says, after last year's feast saw more than 250 people coming and going.
A shuttle to and from Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) will be arranged.
Attendees are asked not to bring disposables or Styrofoam containers, and to bring their own feast bag, chair, etc.
Feast week includes individual days of ceremony. Women's Day took place yesterday, today is Men's Day, Friday is co-ed, and the feast happens on Saturday.
Today: Men Only
- 10 a.m. Wellbriety Meeting – Big Tipi
- 12 p.m. Lunch at the Gazebo
- 1 p.m. Teachings/Activities – Men's Ceremony, Big Tipi
- 6 p.m. Sweat lodge – Protocol to be observed
Friday: Co-ed Community
- 7 a.m. Pipe Ceremony – Big Tipi
- 10 a.m. Wellbriety Meeting – Big Tipi
- 12 p.m. Lunch at the sweat lodge area
- 1 p.m. Teachings/Activities – Big Tipi / Family Teachings (at sweat lodge)
- 6 p.m. Sweat lodge – Protocol to be observed
Saturday: Everyone Welcome
-
11 a.m.–5 p.m. Community Feast and Giveaway – Big Tipi
With more than 200 relatives gathering to share food and connection, there’s also a call for donations for the Food and Community Giveaway to help nourish, uplift and offer kindness to those who need it most.
Food Giveaway
What to donate:
Cooked, ready-to-eat meals. Soups and stews are especially welcome, as they are easy to serve and nourishing for large groups.
How to donate:
- Drop off at Safe Harbour office until May 30
- Or bring directly to the tipis at Fort Normandeau
- On the morning of May 31 (by 10 a.m.)
Community Giveaway
What to donate:
We welcome new or gently used items that can support people of all ages, such as:
- Children’s toys and books
- Household and family items
- Baby supplies (diapers, formula, etc.)
- Items for Elders
- Handcrafted goods (especially traditional Indigenous crafts)
- Blankets and warm clothing
- Non-perishable food items
“I love seeing how everybody comes together,” says Elder Corky about Feast Week.
The feast goes on — rain or shine.
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