Organizers of the annual Nakoda Pickin' Party are taking a pause after 13 years of relationship-building between the communities of Morley and Cochrane, due to dwindling support. The annual event has been highlighting Stoney Nakoda culture and building friendships through musical camaraderie since 2005. However, what used to churn out hundreds has declined in recent years. Organizers have decided that to revive the event it is the time for new faces and younger talent to step forward from both communities. "There's not enough interest from Morley, so we're just going to give it a break this year," said event co-founder, respected Nation elder and lead guitarist Buddy Wesley. "It's kind of up in the air right now ... I would love to see my people come back." Wesley and co-founder Bob Bartlett hosted the first Pickin' Party in Morley at the Stoney Medicine Lodge. Most of the years since then have seen the event hosted at various locations in Cochrane - including churches, Frank Wills Hall and downtown outdoors in Centennial Plaza. Due to health reasons, Bartlett is not actively involved at this time. What used to be a full-day event has been pared back to a half-day and has piggybacked on other events in recent years - including Heritage Days and cultural celebrations held by the now-defunct Arts and Culture Foundation of Cochrane, which is now called Cochrane Arts. Cochranite Andy Marshall is also one of the organizers of the event and is hopeful new ideas will come forward to take the event in a new direction. "We're not disbanding, that's for sure," confirmed Marshall, with respect to the Nakoda-Cochrane Pickin' Party Jam Society, which has been a registered non-profit since 2005. "We're really encouraging young people to partner in such a positive activity." Current board members and core volunteers, include Wesley, Bartlett, Greg Kovacs, Jan Gale, Gary Lefebvre and Larry Wackershauser. "The society's mission is to foster communication between our two communities," said Kovacs. "Although this is a small event, it fosters positive contact among all participants." Marshall reflected on the early years of the event, which used to boast a strong turnout of Stoney and Cochrane musicians. He said they have been disappointed that despite annual invitations sent out, it's been years since representatives from Cochrane town council or any of the three Morley band councils have attended. With the truth and reconciliation movement in full swing, Marshall is hopeful that other event groups in town will reach out to their First Nation neighbours and include them in musical and cultural celebrations in Cochrane. Traditional format kicked off the event with traditional Stoney drumming and powwow dancers, with alternating sets performed by musicians from each community. At the end, remaining jammers got together and close out the event. Bannock fare is served up and past years have seen artwork displayed by visual artists from both communities. Marshall and Wesley said that at the end of the day, friendships have been solidified and bridges have been built. Both commented that it would be a shame to not continue in some capacity. Marshall said the group is grateful to the Town and Shell Canada for financial support over the years. No community grant application was submitted for this year. Anyone willing to roll their sleeves up and pitch in new ideas is encouraged to reach out to Marshall at 403-932-6580 or [email protected] or to any of the board members and volunteers.
