The city of Thunder Bay is asking for help to send a group of First Nations drummers and dancers from the area to China.

The 10 young artists are heading to Jiaozuo next month to perform during an international tai chi competition.

The city's Aboriginal Liaison Unit still needs to raise another $21,000 to cover their costs, said Ann Magiskan, the city's aboriginal liaison, as it doesn't have a travel budget for the event.

"It's going to happen," Magiskan said. "I believe that the community of Thunder Bay will see the value in an exchange such as this, and will eventually step up and come forward. I truly believe that."

Several sponsors already on board

The Aboriginal Liaison Unit is advancing funds from its own budget to ensure the trip goes ahead, she said, while anticipating it will recoup the funds through sponsorships and donations.

Fort William First Nation, Aroland First Nation and Martin Falls First Nation have all sponsored the performers who hail from their communities, Magiskan said, adding that the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Matawa First Nations Management and several corporate and individual donors have also chipped in funds.

The trip is an opportunity for cultural exchange, said Mary Magiskan of Aroland.

"We're going to show them our dance and the pow wow ... and they're going to show us their tai chi ... and what they're going to get out of it is just more acknowledgement ... of how First Nations people dance," she said.

A unique opportunity for both communities

Thunder Bay is working to make Jiaozuo a sister city, said Youlian Peng of the city's sister cities advisory committee, who is spearheading the trip.

It's a unique opportunity for both communities, he said.

"I deal with lots of aboriginal youth. They come to Thunder Bay, they feel lost, they feel shocked," said Peng, who teaches tai chi in the city. "We just want them to see an even bigger picture and believe in themselves."

The cultural exchange can benefit everyone, he said. "One day you pow wow on Mount McKay, how 'bout on the Great Wall?"

"So I think it's really good for building on the future and meanwhile attract more Chinese youth to get them more interested in the culture here so they will visit here."

The city needs to build its profile on the world stage, Peng added.

"Sometimes we don't think big enough."