Little Child won't you dance with me?Native Aboriginal Days in Jasper National Park

Two dancers share a moment after performing in the Welcome Dance ceremony, part of the National Aboriginal Days celebrations in Jasper on June 20, 2010.

Most natives - including non-status Indians, Métis and First Nations - left the area when it became a national park. It wasn't exactly their idea.

Many of those native groups with traditional ties to the land were back in Jasper for the June 19-20 weekend.

Scores of white folks who joined in the Friendship Dance thought that it was about time.

Photo copyright Stephen A. Nelson

Little Big Man: National Aboriginal Days in Jasper National Park, June 2010

Two Mountain Cree dancers pose after performing traditional dances as part of the Aboriginal Days celebrations in Jasper, June 19 and June 20.

Many of the natives taking part in the festivities - including First Nations, Métis and non-status Indians - were descendants of the native people who lived, hunted and trapped in the Jasper area before it became a national park.

Photo copyright Stephen A. Nelson