We are the Buffalo Charging singers who come from many Nations and carry teachings from across Turtle Island. Our peoples within our group include the Cree, Ojibwe, Dakota, and Mohawk Nations. We have practiced our cultures since birth, carrying these ways of life as young men with us throughout our journey on Mother Earth. Today, we come together with good energy and good spirits to share our culture through the celebration of dance and song .Today at this gathering, we will showcase the drum, which represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. We will also present the Jingle Dress song, known as the healing dance, one of the first dances gifted to our people. In addition, we will share the Grass Dance, originating from the Plains Cree territory, recognized as a warrior-style dance. When these dancers move, they are praying for healing, growth, kindness, and telling a story through strength. The Grass Dancers are traditionally among the first to dance, as they bless the grounds we dance and pray on with prayers for the dancers and the community who will gather in this space. It is through these dances that we honour our ancestors and uphold our responsibilities to one another. With great pleasure, we will begin with an opening song composed by one of our singers. Sung in both the Cree and Ojibwe languages, this song carries a message that everyone is welcome to come together and dance in this safe and welcoming space. We are the Buffalo Charging Singers.