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IMMEDIATE RELEASE James Bay Crees Set Out to Wow the World's Fair June 29, 2000 Oujé-Bougoumou, PQ A team of fourteen James Bay Cree performers, storytellers, and experts in traditional Cree culture are on their way to Hanover, Germany, to share their knowledge with the world from July 9th to 16th at Expo 2000, the World's Fair. "The theme of Expo 2000, 'Balancing Mankind, Nature, and Technology', is a natural fit for us," explains Oujé-Bougoumou Chief Sam Bosum. "After being displaced seven times during the last fifty years, we created our community to do just that - to live our traditional culture in the context of modern technology. That's why, for instance, we built a district heating system using sawdust waste from a nearby timber mill. That's why we were honoured by the United Nations in 1995. And that's why we are looking forward to sharing our knowledge with the people of the world, too." The Oujé-Bougoumou Crees will be performing in the Global House pavilion located in the central Expo Plaza. Performances will include lessons on bush skills, carving, and natural medicines and remedies; singing by noted recording artist Kenny Mianscum, and interpreted traditional stories and legends told by Elders Charlie Bosum and Albert Mianscum. "Oujé-Bougoumou is one of twenty-five indigenous communities from around the world which were chosen because they could bring meaning to the Indigenous Peoples' Exhibit theme, "Wisdom From The Earth", explains Dr. Franka Ostertag, Project Manager for Global House at Expo. "We are honoured that they could not only create a meaningful 'permanent' exhibit, but actually interact with the thousands of visitors to Expo in this way." A total of fourteen members of the community, including youth and student representatives, will be in attendance at Expo 2000.
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