The kickoff to mosaic was held in the main lobby of the Cornwall Centre in downtown Regina in early June. The Riel Reelers performed with their band, Shaqhawey, at the event.

Before the show starts and the crowds arrive, the kitchen crew is hard at work. Joyce is making her famous bannock, Sandra is dicing tomatoes, Trudy is getting the counter in order, Dennis lights the deep fat fryer while Julia checks the baskets, and Robert runs a test batch of fried bannock!

    The doors open. First you need to get a passport from Donna and Garry and food tickets from our young volunteers.

On the way to the performance, there are a number of traditional crafts and items for sale by Aboriginal artists from across the province. Look and admire, maybe find yourself a souvenir.

The performers relax before the show begins.

Before you find a seat, why not buy a snack...or a meal from Aaron. "Indian Taco? Bullet Soup? How about cake with a saskatoonberry topping!"

As the lights dim, the ambassadors of the pavilion lead  the artists in the grand entry...
 

After the welcome song by our drum group, President Lorna says a prayer...now we are ready to dance.

 As the artists dance, Blair Littletent acts as the crowd's interpreter sharing with the audience each dance's rich history.

The Riel Reelers add the Metis flavor to our Aboriginal peoples pavilion. Seven year-old Daussen Ellis impresses the crowd, Boiling Cabbage on the fiddle. Karen Larocque explains the significance of the dances they perform, and upon conclusion of their segment, audience members are asked to come up and dance the Red River Jig.

Near the end of the performance we are treated to an interactive dance recreating a battle scene on the prairies hundreds of years ago.

Our grande finale, the
closing performer, Terence Littletent,
takes to the stage and spreads his wings.

  Originally the Hoop Dance was performed by medicine men and spiritual leaders as medicinal and/or visionary dances. Visions were seen through the hoops to cure ailments or see the future.

  The Hoop Dance allows the dancer to weave the story of how all living things on the earth are connected and how they grow and change.

  Hoop dancers use dozens of hoops to imitate a number of creatures found on Mother Earth. Every dancer lends his or her own interpretation, but each follows the theme of harmony with nature. In Terrence's dance you may be able to recognize some of the animals being imitated...a bear, a baby Eagle, a young man on horseback, and the majestic adult eagle spreading its wings.

After the show, the dancers visit with friends, relatives and fans. Mosaic is an educational experience, and the dancers are more than happy to take pictures with visitors and answer any questions they might have.

21- Joey Bear
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23- Terry Blackmore
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25
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27- Joy LaFramboise
28- Shawna LaRocque Dejarlais
29- Rita Larocque
30- Melvina Worme
31- Candace
32- Derrick Racette
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34- Karen LaRocque
35- Dawn Elles
36- Kevin LaFramboise
37- Al Blondeau
38- Fred Blondeau
39- Daussen Elles
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