June 21, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Taylor, Historic & Heritage Sites
One of the major events in the Peace Region for Aboriginal peoples is the Spirit of the Peace Powwow. This year the event was held from June 19th – 21st, 2009.
I had been looking forward to the event for sometime because it is a chance for me to get together with family and friends and celebrate my aboriginal heritage and history. Everyone is welcome to the event and it can be a very interesting and knowledge-gaining experience.
At this event there were four grand entrance times. At the grand entrance participating dancers, organizers, and elders entered the circle dancing to traditional and sacred drumming and singing. After the grand entrance there were different groups of dancers (dressed in traditional attire) dancing. I always enjoy the sounds of the bells jingling from the costumes as the dancer’s rock back and forth and jump to the drumming. It was very emotional for some people attending; even I began tearing up without an explanation.
Also at the event were people selling handmade jewellery, dream catchers, clothing and moccasins. I had my eye on a pair of handmade wrap around moccasins with beautiful beading on them, but someone was faster than I was. There were also food concessions. They had run out of bannock before I got there though.
If anyone should get a chance to attend a Powwow in the future, I would strongly recommend you take the chance, it can be a once in a lifetime experience. Many aboriginal people are happy to share their culture and traditions with everyone who is interested.
June 21, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Dining
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One of the true gems in the North Peace area is the Shepherd’s Inn restaurant. Located 40 kilometres north of Fort St. John along the Alaska Highway at mile 72, it is a bit out of the way for people not venturing north of Fort St. John but it is well worth the drive.
The Shepherd’s Inn is clean and simple, a classic diner style restaurant with cross-stitch pieces and local art on the walls. There are also some books and a few souvenirs and postcards for sale.
Upon arrival we seated ourselves by the window and were attended to immediately. My mother ordered coffee and I ordered the Iced Russian Tea. The beverage was a new experience for me. It was sweet with some spices in it (possibly cloves). It reminded me of a cold cider. I will have to go back just to have another glass and ask instruction on how to make it. After looking over the reasonably extensive and varietal menu I selected the barbeque beef (open faced beef sandwich with their special homemade BBQ sauce) with homemade fries (with REAL gravy!) and creamy coleslaw. The bread was homemade, thick and delicious.
After doing my best to finish the huge meal in front of me I decided that I just had to have a taste of the legendary homemade pie that people always seem to talk about after going to the Shepherd’s Inn. My mother and I decided to share a piece of strawberry-rhubarb pie and ice cream. The pie was warm and perfect with a packed brown sugar crumble as the top crust.
The entire experience was extremely enjoyable and I would certainly recommend this little Inn to anyone; whether to locals who haven’t been there, or visitors just passing through. It makes a perfect afternoon away from the kitchen especially at such a reasonable price. The bill for the two of us came to $32.00 (and that included drink refills and shared dessert!)
I will defiantly be back.