The Membertou 400 celebration kicked off yesterday on the Halifax Common to celebrate the Mi’kmaq shaman and prophet, Grand Chief Membertou.
Four hundred years ago, Membertou was the first aboriginal person to be baptized in what would become Canada.
Organizers have erected a traditional village on the Halifax Common that will be visited by Queen Elizabeth II on Monday.
For a full list of the weekend events and for more information visit www.membertou400.com.
What to look forward to:
• Friday-Sunday, Halifax powwow: A flag will be raised at 10 a.m. and grand entries take place from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday-Sunday, noon-6 p.m.: The Mi’kmaq cultural village will be open, featuring basket weaving, storytelling and drum making.
• Friday, 8 p.m.: Academy award winning aboriginal Canadian songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie will perform on the Common.
• Friday and Saturday, 9:30 p.m.-midnight: A pow-wow will take place featuring international dancing and drum competitions.
• Saturday, 8 p.m.: Canadian Country Music Association award winner Shane Yellowbird performs on the Commons.
• Sunday, 7 p.m.: Closing ceremonies
