Sacred fire kicks off 2017 Manito Ahbee Festival

The 2017 Manito Ahbee Festival kicked off witha sacred fire at The Forks in Winnipeg Wednesday.

The festival, which celebrates Indigenous arts, culture and music, runs until Sunday and includes a two-day powwow and the return of the Indigenous Music Awards.

"We're really excited about that. We have some great talent coming in," said David Dandeneau, chair of the festival.

Indigenous artists from "everywhere imaginable," are coming to Winnipeg for the event, said Jackie Black, manager of the Indigenous Music Awards.

Black said festival staff are pushing to see non-Indigenous visitors come out to the event this year. "We want people to know it's inclusive."

Black said hundreds of dancers will be on hand for the two-day powwow taking place at the RBC Convention Centre on Saturday and Sunday

"The whole floor shakes. It's a little surreal."

Tickets to the festival are available online.