January 6, 2010

Homecoming 2010 intern reporting for duty! My name is Kelly and I am a Creative Communications student at Red River College. I have the pleasure of doing my work placement at Manitoba Homecoming 2010 for the next three weeks, over the course of which, I will be blogging about some of the interesting things Homecoming 2010 is involved in.

My first day on the job was an eventful one. I had the opportunity to attend an outdoor press conference at the Forks (I’m glad I brought my toque!). The announcement of the afternoon was regarding the lighting of the Sacred Fire, lit earlier that day. The Sacred Fire is an aboriginal tradition, but people of all races were welcome to come down and make a tobacco offering to the fire to ensure safe travel for loved ones over the next year.

The fire burned for 36 hours, so I was back the next morning at 6:00 a.m. because Megan Batchelor from BT was doing live hits from the teepee throughout the show. I stayed in the studio for the first live hit and watched from the monitors inside. The segment was great and it looked so warm and cozy inside the teepee that I ventured out to join the Fire Keepers. Even today, the comforting aroma of burning birch still lingers on my jacket!

The Sacred Fire was extinguished shortly after it welcomed the Olympic Torch to the Forks, but the ashes will be kept for the Manitoba Homecoming 2010 ceremonies in December.

- Kelly