Games, wood carving and an Elvis impersonator: Arbor Days kicks off at Halfway River First Nation

WONOWON, B.C. — A weekend of fun and festivities await attendees to Halfway River First Nation (HRFN) as its annual Arbor Days began on Friday.

The day is named after the vision of late HRFN Elder Maizie Metecheah, who wanted an arbour on HRFN grounds to bring communities and people together.

However, the day began with dreary weather conditions as a steady drizzle hammered the area. Despite running behind schedule, HRFN Chief Darlene Hunter still put a positive spin on the early goings.

“[This day is] to celebrate our children, our people, all of our people,” said Hunter. “It’s an honour to have all these people here.

“The rain washes. [It] washes the Mother Earth and washes away things. Water brings life, and this is what [Arbor Days] is about, is bringing life back to a tradition.”

After a drum performance by the Meander River drummers opened the event, Hunter acknowledged all the children new to the Nation. 

Because this was the first time doing so at Arbor Days, she welcomed children as old as six years.

“It’s important to us because that is what we are working for,” said Hunter. “We’re working for the seven generations, these young, little ones that are going to carry on and someday look after me when I’m an Elder.”

After the acknowledgement, chainsaw carver and artist Ryan Cook came to deliver several carved animals to be distributed throughout the arbour, including a bear, beaver, wolf, moose, owl and eagle.

Cook, who starred on the Discovery television series A Cut Above, also hand-carved an Elders’ bench for the arbour, which will be displayed on the platform for Elders under the structure.

“These animals are ones that represent the spirit of the Nation,” said Cook, who will also be showing off his wood carving skills all weekend for festival goers.

This afternoon will feature children’s festivities, including youth hand games, bouncy castles and a mechanical bull.

Dinner and a talent show will take place on Friday evening, and an Elvis Presley impersonator will round out the festivities.

Joanne West, an Arbor Days organizer, thinks Metecheah would be proud of how the event brings people together.

“She would be very grateful,” said West. “Grateful and happy. This would have made her happy.”

Arbor Days will also feature axe throwing, leg and horse wrestling, horseshoe bingo and more. It runs through to Sunday, July 20th.