Indigenous cultures take centre stage as Winterlude 2019 kicks off

An expanded Winterlude kicked off this weekend in the National Capital Region, with thousands taking in both old and new events including performances showcasing Indigenous cultures.

Sunday's powwow at the Canadian Museum of History was one of a number of additions to the 2019 lineup, as the two-week festival tries to be less reliant on the Rideau Canal.

The first weekend celebrates Indigenous culture, with next weekenddevoted to recognizing the LGBTQcommunity.

"We really want to make sure that we see all Canadians represented in the program that we're doing," said MelanieBrault, director of major events with Canadian Heritage.

• Ottawa's 2019 Winterlude to kick off with Indigenous cultures showcase

StephanieSarazinof thePikwakanaganFirst Nationwas the head dancer at Saturday's powwow, which was organized by the Algonquin Way Cultural Centre.

"To be able to dance to these songs in the middle of winterand to be able to do it here forWinterludeis ...wonderful," she said.

While Winterlude events have traditionally beenheld on the Rideau Canal and atConfederation Park and Jacques-CartierPark,this year's festival has expanded to coverthe Glebe, the ByWard Market and Sparks Street.

The festival, which runs from Feb. 1 to Feb. 18, has also partnered with Capital Pride in 2019. An "ice cabaret"and other performances will takecentre stage during Winterlude's second weekend.

Winterlude around town

Despite the opening weekend's snow and chill, people still headed out in droves.

Attendees checked out some of this year's ice and snowsculptures, took part in skiing andsnowboarding, and slid their way throughthe Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park.

In an average year, the festival sees about 600,000 visitors, Braultsaid.