Takla Landing elder Julie Jacques – photo 250News

Prince George, B.C. – Those interested in learning more about local First Nations are invited to the College of New Caledonia this week to take part in Aboriginal Culture Days.

Cultural adviser Darlene McIntosh with the Aboriginal Resource Centre, says the event “is a way to display the diversity within our culture and to sensitize people to First Nations history.”

She says that’s very important considering “we cover 21 First Nations under the umbrella of the college, plus the Metis.”

One of the exhibitors this week is 75 year old Julie Jacques, an elder and hereditary chief from Takla Landing.

She says her family has lived off the land for as long as she can remember, adding she still follows the traditions of her ancestors, including salmon fishing, canning, and moose hunting.

Jacques says it’s led to a lot of longevity in her family, noting both her parents lived to be over 100.

“Living on the Omineca River, my mom and dad lived off the land without ever seeing a doctor. My dad lived to be 107 and my mom 104. They ate wild meat and fish, no store bought meat.”

Donald MacDonald, or Donny Mac as he prefers it, is an artist, dancer and performer.

He comes from Onion Lake, on the Alberta/Saskatchewan border, and says it’s important to keep traditions alive.

“Yeah, for sure. That’s a big thing, being proud, making your spirit happy,” he says.

“Also, getting the youth involved and get them following traditions as well. I think it’s important to practice it and keep showcasing it because once everything’s gone, then we’ll be lost people.”

Aboriginal Culture Days wraps up today at CNC’s Gathering Place.