Tag: Indigenous

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Calgary events share Indigenous culture, promote healing and reconciliation – Calgary | Globalnews.ca

Calgary events share Indigenous culture, promote healing and reconciliation - Calgary | Globalnews.ca

This week brings a new opportunity for Calgarians to connect with southern Alberta’s rich Indigenous culture.

It’s a chance for people to learn about the past and to make healing connections for the future.

It comes in the form of a series of weekly events at St. Patrick’s Island.

The free events will feature Indigenous knowledge-keepers sharing traditional stories, as well as drumming and singing.

Read more:

Indigenous and local knowledge can help build effective environmental policies: Calgary study

Among those leading the gatherings is Clarence Wolf Leg Jr., a member of the Siksika Nation.

“I’m a Blackfoot powwow singer — I’ve been doing this for about 30 years,” Wolf Leg Jr. said. “I’m just creating some positive energy.”

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The events are being organized by Tarra Wright-Many Chief, whose company Many Chief Tours offers Indigenous-themed walking tours of St. Patrick’s Island.

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Wright-Many Chief says, the purpose of free events is “to teach people about the history of the Blackfoot people and our connection to this area.”

Read more:

Calgary woman offers Indigenous history tours: ‘I love that it’s something I can share’

St. Patrick’s Island is in the Bow River, directly across from the place the Elbow River flows into it.

“[It is] close to the confluence of the two rivers, which is a sacred site for the Blackfoot people — people would come here to do ceremonies,” Wright-Many Chief said.  “And so it makes sense for us to come here and start creating space for Indigenous stories and knowledge to be shared — where it was traditionally shared thousands of years ago.”

Everyone is invited to attend the events, which run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on six consecutive Fridays from July 22 to August 26.

“We’ll be providing some good vibes, and that’s what the powwow songs are meant for,” Wolf Leg Jr. said. “They’re meant to heal and to break down barriers, to help complete this reconciliation that we’re all going through.”

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Countdown on to North American Indigenous Games in Halifax | CBC News

Countdown on to North American Indigenous Games in Halifax | CBC News

The year-long countdown is on for Halifax to host the North American Indigenous Games, and while it is one of the biggest multi-sport events in Atlantic Canada, organizers also see it as another step toward reconciliation.

To kick off festivities, the host society threw a party on the waterfront Friday to bring people together through traditional song and dance.

“Every opportunity that we have to create opportunities for people to learn and experience our culture is a step towards the right direction,” said Cheryl Copage-Gehue, Halifax’s Indigenous adviser.

“The more you know, the more you understand, the more chance you will be an ally and support these events.”

Sixteen different sports will be showcased at the North American Indigenous Games, including canoe and kayak, lacrosse and archery.

The event is aimed at inspiring the young Indigenous people taking part as they show off their skills on a big stage.

An adult woman standing outside on a sunny day. Her hair is in two braids and she is wearing a white blouse with a yellow blazer.
Cheryl Copage-Gehue is Halifax’s Indigenous adviser. She said the games will be an opportunity for people to learn more about Indigenous culture. (CBC)

“This is an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to come together around a very positive experience that will enhance the lives of the Indigenous youth coming here,” said Fiona Kirkpatrick Parsons, chair of the 2023 North American Indigenous Games Host Society.

“And when they go back to their communities, they’re going to feel great about themselves, they’re going to reflect on their time here as a positive one.”

Hosting the games is another sign Halifax is working hard on building an inclusive community, according to Mayor Mike Savage.

An adult woman outside. She has shoulder-length brown hair. She is wearing a denim jacket with a white t-shirt.
Fiona Kirkpatrick Parsons is chair of the 2023 North American Indigenous Games Host Society. She hopes youth will have a positive experience when the games are held in Halifax next year. (CBC)

As the city prepares to welcome athletes from more than 700 Indigenous nations in North America, he’s encouraging people across the region to be a part of it by volunteering for the event.

“I think people will get into this, I think they will learn a lot about the Mi’kmaw history and culture … They’ll also have a lot of fun, so I’m really excited about it,” Savage said.

More than 5,000 Indigenous athletes will be competing at the games at venues in Millbrook First Nation, Dartmouth and Halifax. A cultural village will be set up at the Halifax Common.

Copage-Gehue said the cultural village “will create an opportunity to learn our traditional culture here in Mi’kma’ki, but to also learn about Indigenous people from North America.”

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Whoop-Up Days 2022 to feature traditional Indigenous events

Whoop-Up Days 2022 to feature traditional Indigenous events

The Princess Pageant will see contestants compete for the title of Miss Siksikaitsitapi on August 23, with the winner announced at the Pow Wow on August 24. Contestants will be invited to compete in Tiny Tots, Junior and Senior categories. The winner will represent Lethbridge & District Exhibition and the Blackfoot Confederacy as an ambassador throughout the year.

Contestants in the pageant will be featured in the Whoop-Up Days Parade, and will be scored on their essay submission, speech, dance and talent showcase.

The Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo will feature intense daily competitions of Warrior Relay Races, with a total of $20,000 purse prize winnings. Participants ride horses bareback and jump from one horse to the next in laps around the racetrack, with two transfers per race.

Mike Warkentin, Lethbridge & District Exhibition Chief Executive Officer said, “This is something that we’ve been working on for over a year.”

“It’s the first step in what we hope to be a really fantastic, much expanded partnership with the Blackfoot Confederacy as we prepare to open the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre here, really in the heart of Blackfoot territory.”

Warkentin said Lethbridge & District Exhibition wanted to strengthen the relationship between the community, the organization and First Nations in Southern Alberta.

He noted that, “Indigenous culture has been a piece of our programming dating back right to the beginning with some of the world champion rodeo athletes, Pow Wow contestants, we had Indigenous boxing champions competing in the South Pavilion.”

“It’s been a piece of what we do here at Lethbridge & District Exhibition for 125 years, and so, reintroducing this element of our programming was an incredibly important piece to us, as I say, to showcase the entire community and also welcome people from around the world to experience a really important piece of Southern Alberta.”

Warkentin commented that the Pow Wow specifically is a “true cultural experience that you really can’t get anywhere else.” He added that going forward, Lethbridge & District Exhibition is focused on growing its partnership with the Blackfoot Confederacy significantly.

“Blackfoot culture has always been a piece of our history and we want to ensure that it’s a strong piece of our history for the next 125 years,” Warkentin said.

Dancers showcasing traditional Pow Wow dancing on Thursday, July 7 2022. (Lethbridge News Now)

Kirby Smith, Intergovernmental Relations with the Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council joined Warkentin on stage to touch on the significant announcement Thursday morning.

Smith said, “Throughout the summer, there’s always major celebrations that go on in each of our communities and so, to have that same kind of a format, that kind of a platform here in Lethbridge, is very significant for us and we’re more than thrilled to be part of the planning and more than thrilled to be part of the events that are going to take place during that week.”

He thanked Warkentin for reaching out to the Confederacy to work towards the partnership and touched on the importance of the Princess Pageant.

Smith said, “The pageant is very significant in the sense that what we’re doing is we’re creating ambassadors for the Lethbridge & District Exhibition and these ambassadors will reign for a whole year and will represent this organization and will represent our partnership at other events and other Pow Wows and celebrations throughout Southern Alberta, but certainly throughout other areas as well.”

Smith commented that this partnership carries added significance following a year where reconciliation was in focus across the entire country.

He said, “This partnership that we’re dealing with now is really a hallmark relationship and it’s one I think that really represents the efforts of communities like Lethbridge, more specifically communities like Lethbridge & District Exhibition, and them reaching out to the Blackfoot Confederacy and to our communities at all levels, to come in and really make a proud statement that this is something that is going to be welcoming, it’s going to be open and very participatory.”

Whoop-Up Days 2022 is on from August 23 to 27, 2022. The kick-off parade festivities will take place August 23 at 9:00 a.m. with marshals Chief Roy Fox of the Kainai Nation, Chief Stanley Grier from the Piikani Nation and Chief Ouray Crowfoot of the Siksika Nation.

More information about the festival, as well as the Indigenous cultural events taking place in Lethbridge, are available at the Whoop-Up days website.

READ MORE: Whoop-Up Days 2022 kicking off with return of parade & rodeo

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Riverside Park in Guelph hosts event to recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day – Guelph | Globalnews.ca

Riverside Park in Guelph hosts event to recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day - Guelph | Globalnews.ca

National Indigenous Peoples Day is being recognized across Canada on Tuesday, including in Guelph.

Riverside Park will be having an in-person event on Tuesday in recognition of the day.

The event will be emceed by Adrian Harjo and feature music, dancing, stories and more.

Stephen Jackson is the CEO of Anishnabeg Outreach in Guelph.  As an Indigenous person, he said he’s proud to see other cultures celebrating together.

“It’s what I’ve been working towards for the last four years at Anishnabeg Outreach. It’s cultures coming together to embrace it, to understand it and to participate in it,” Jackson said.

He believes that being together and working together is how they achieve a different outcome.

Read more:

GRT buses, ION trains to pause Tuesday for National Indigenous Peoples Day

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National Indigenous Peoples Day is for Canadians to learn and celebrate the heritage, culture and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples.

Anishnabeg Outreach is a not-for-profit organization, with locations in Guelph and Kitchener, that provides Indigenous people with access to services that are culturally appropriate and strive to help and direct individuals to overcome barriers.

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Through its programs and initiatives, the organization puts an emphasis on Indigenous people and their culture.

“I think everything that we do is designed to do proactive work,” he said. “It’s the healing that’s probably the most important piece because without healing you really can’t work, your family situations can be abusive and your relationships can be toxic.”

Jackson said with healing, you’re able to put trauma behind you and work toward the future.

Among the initiatives offered at Anishnabeg are an EarlyOn Centre, employment and job training, mental health management system and a multi-sports program.

Read more:

City of Guelph marks Truth and Reconciliation Day

The event in Guelph is being organized by local First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders with support from the city’s Museums and Culture division. The day also coincides with the summer solstice.

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He said it’ll give friends and families a chance to connect following the COVID-19 pandemic and allow people to celebrate in a number of ways.

“I’m so thankful that events like this are available for those that want to connect with family and friends or make new family and friends,” he said.

Jackson added the Outreach Centre will also be holding a barbecue on Tuesday afternoon with their staff and community partners. Visit the Anishnabeg Outreach website to learn more.

The event at Riverside Park will start at 5:30 p.m.

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‘Stand together’: Event highlights refugees and Indigenous shared experiences

'Stand together': Event highlights refugees and Indigenous shared experiences


Newcomers to Edmonton and Indigenous people shared cultures in a unique way to learn from each other and grow understanding.


A celebration at city hall brought together refugees from around the world and Indigenous people to recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day, World Refugee Day, and the start of Indigenous History Month.


Razia Saramad, who was forced to leave her home in Afghanistan after the Taliban took control last year, had no idea where she would end up.


“We tried so many countries, and finally, we succeeded to have Canada,” Saramad said.


Now six months into her new life in Edmonton, Saramad was excited to learn about the local history and share her own experiences.


“The Indigenous is the historical people of this city, and the refugees or the newcomers are just coming here, and I think they need to know each other and be together,” Saramad said.


“To learn from each other and know the value of each other and respect it,” she added.


Trent Daley, Alberta Hate Crimes Committee member, said events like this help build awareness of differences and similarities.


“I think it’s incredibly important to have a space to really root newcomers on Indigenous land,” Daley said.


Organizers hoped the event would combine the shared lived experiences of both groups to focus on the inequities they face.


“It’s important to show that we’re always going to stand together, and a way that we’re standing together is by hearing what people have to say,” said Aaima Azhar, an organizer with Roots on 6. 

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National Indigenous Peoples Day: Events by NWT community

National Indigenous Peoples Day: Events by NWT community

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Tuesday marks National Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrating and honouring the original stewards of the land, including Dene, Inuvialuit and Métis communities in the NWT.

A variety of family-friendly celebrations, ranging from barbecues to performances and arts markets, are planned in communities across the territory.

Below, find a guide to events happening in the NWT.

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Are we missing an event or is there an amendment we should make? Tell us by email before 11am on Tuesday and we’ll add it in.

Beaufort Delta

Inuvik – Gather with family and friends at Jim Koe Park. Food will be provided from 12pm, including a fish fry, potatoes, hamburgers, hotdogs, smoked tea, water and juice. Hosted by the Gwich’in Tribal Council in collaboration with the Town of Inuvik, Parks Canada, Inuvialuit Community Corporation, Inuvik Native Band and Nihtat Gwich’in Council.

Aklavik – The Hamlet of Aklavik will be hosting a cookout and jam session in collaboration with the Aklavik Indian Band and Aklavik Community Corporation. Join in at the Sittichinli Complex from 2pm. Food provided includes potato salad, macaroni salad, pork chops, burgers, smokies and hotdogs.

Dehcho

Sambaa K’e – Sambaa K’e has been holding combined National Indigenous Peoples Day and Father’s Day celebrations since June 18. Festivities have included traditional demonstrations by Elders at the culture camp and traditional meals, door prizes, three-legged races and egg races, kids fishing and kickball.

Tuesday’s celebrations kick off at 8:30am with a pancake breakfast, a cash prize competition for traditional activities (log splitting, tea boiling and so on) and a canoe race. For kids, there will be a Skittle challenge, a balloon-and-cup race and a stick-pull challenge. Residents are welcome to join a 7pm community BBQ. 

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West Point First Nation – West Point will be holding a BBQ as well as adult and youth events from 3pm-5pm. All are welcome.

Nahanni Butte/Nahɂą Dehé Dene Band – While plans have been hampered by last week’s flood alert, the recreation team is planning a Tuesday night BBQ.

Fort Simpson/Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation – LKFN festivities will open with a sunrise ceremony at the monument across from the Pentecostal Church, as well as a pancake breakfast at the rec centre, both starting at 8am. There will then be a fire-feeding ceremony at 10am at the Arbour. 

From 11:30am until 1:30pm, LKFN will host a community BBQ at the Arbour. Jigging with Joe Villeneuve and a jam session will follow from 1:30-3:30pm at the campground kitchen. 

The swimming pool will be open for free swimming from 2pm-3pm. The day will end at 8pm with a drum dance hosted by the Fort Simpson Drummers. 

Fort Liard/Acho Dene Koe – Despite the past week’s tragedy involving hiker Anthony McLaughlin, band members are proceeding – with permission from family members – with previously planned celebrations.

Festivities will begin with a pancake breakfast at the Liard Fuel Centre and continue with a fire-feeding ceremony, games for kids and adults and hand games inside the Arbour, with traditional food and a BBQ available all day. Vendors will be selling wares in the recreation centre from 3-5pm. The day will conclude with baseball and a drum dance.

Fort Providence/Deh Gáh Got’îê First Nation – Events begin with a fishing derby from 11am (register at the Arbour) then lunch at the Arbour at 12pm. Cultural demonstrations from 1pm till 3pm include moose hair tufting, quill and bead work, and hand games. At the same time, a baseball game will take place.

From 2pm till 5pm, cultural events at the Arbour include fish filleting and bannock on a stick. A community feast begins at the same venue at 6pm, followed by hand games and a drum dance, with prizes throughout. Events are sponsored by the Deh Gáh Got’îê First Nation, Fort Providence Métis Council, Fort Providence Hamlet Council and the GNWT.

North Slave

Yellowknife – The  North Slave Métis Alliance will be hosting its annual fish fry and stage show at Sombe K’e Civic Plaza. The event is free. You can enjoy traditional Métis, Inuit and First Nations food, music and dance. Food includes Great Slave whitefish, bannock, beans, and corn on the cob. Attendees can visit a variety of Indigenous arts and crafts booths.

Behchokǫ̀ – The Tłı̨chǫ Government has planned a variety of events. On the baseball field at the sportsplex, attendees can join in a potato sack race, duck plucking, log splitting and more. Participants can also enjoy a fishing derby, mini carnival and scavenger hunt, with a community BBQ available all afternoon.

South Slave

Hay River – The Town of Hay River will be holding a full day of events, starting with a flag-raising ceremony at the fire hall. The friendship centre is hosting a BBQ and fish fry complete with bouncy castles, bubbles, water guns, and other family-friendly games. There is an alternative BBQ at the Hay River Territorial Park. 

Additionally, the Kole Crook Fiddle Association is hosting an Aboriginal Day Music Walk in the afternoon on Main Street, and there will be a pop-up art sale at Golden Tamarack Wellness in Godwin Mall all day, featuring original art by Sarah Slade.

Kátł’odeeche First Nation – The Kátł’odeeche First Nation will host a pancake breakfast at the KFN Complex followed by a parade starting at the Arbour. Children and youth-friendly events will begin at 11am, and adult events will be available from 1pm onward, both at the Arbour. 

There will be a display of interactive traditional skills in the afternoon including storytelling, bannock-making, drumming, drymeat making, crafts, and fish filleting. The day will conclude with a BBQ and drum dance.

Fort Smith – The Fort Smith Metis Council’s events all take place at the Fort Smith Arena Grounds, starting at 10am with an opening ceremony including remarks from Chief Poitras, an Elder’s prayer and a lighting the fire ceremony. 

Afterward, there will be a bouncy house, face painting, and other family-friendly activities available, along with games and races with prizes. The Dene Drummers and Dancers will perform a drum dance demonstration at noon, followed by an afternoon feast of stew, bannock, hamburgers, and more. The afternoon will feature activities including a scavenger hunt, putting contest, and an egg toss for youth aged 13-17. The day will end with a community drum dance.

Sahtu

Norman Wells – The Norman Wells Land Corporation will be hosting a community feast at the town’s arena starting at 1pm.

Colville Lake – With Sahtu Day coming up on June 23, recreation director Isabel Orlias has planned a three-day event kicking off with a lunchtime cookout on June 21. The games and activities to follow will include target shooting, a fishing derby, a volleyball tournament, skeet shooting, a canoe race, nail pounding, archery, “Dene gourmet” food cooked over fires, and a number of relay games.

Edited by Amelia Eqbal with contributions from the Cabin Radio newsroom.

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‘Appropriating culture and traditions’: Planned event not supported by local Indigenous groups – Kingston News

'Appropriating culture and traditions': Planned event not supported by local Indigenous groups – Kingston News

Local Indigenous groups have distanced themselves from a planned far-right gathering in the Kingston area, stating that the event amounts to appropriation of Indigenous culture, and that they are not affiliated with the event, nor do they support it.

“The actions that are taking place on our Territory (Kingston, ON) is unacceptable. For those who are participating in these actions, the Indigenous Community does not support the setup of a sacred fire in Kingston in support of the ‘Freedom Convoy’. The Indigenous Community did not give consent for these ceremonial practices and [they] could cause more harm to who we are as First Nations/Algonquin people,” said the Katarokwi Grandmothers Council, Tipi Moza, Kingston Indigenous Language Nest, and other additional Indigenous organizations in a joint press release.

“First Nations and Non-Indigenous people should always remember protocol and that permission from us [is] needed to proceed,” the letter continued. “This letter is to serve notice that the Kingston Indigenous Community does not support or endorse these actions. If these actions continue, we have no other choice but to support the Kingston Police in their efforts and actions to stop this at once. Once again, we do not support the freedom convoy or any other movement that compromises the safety of our community members.”

Mutual Aid Katarokwi also issued a statement regarding the unsupported event. “June 21st will be celebrated by many as National Indigenous Peoples Day. Meanwhile, past participants of the far-right convoy attacks are on the road again, this time travelling to the ‘greater Kingston area’ to unite at a ‘Sacred Fire Festival’,” the group said.

While organizers of the planned event alleged that they had strong ties to Indigenous communities, when Indigenous groups pressed them on specifics about these ties, they received no response.

“For those who don’t know, Sacred Fires are a revered cultural Ceremonial Practice in many Indigenous communities that have specific Protocols,” the statement continued. “Local Indigenous people with culturally grounded Knowledge stewarding this Tradition have questioned ‘freedom’ advocates on the specifics of which Indigenous community was organising the event and had invited them. Far-right organisers replied ‘I am First Nations’. Further inquiries resulted in a ban and the deletion of all evidence of these questions,” Mutual Aid Katarokwi said. “While the ‘Sacred Fire’ event’s website vaguely references Indigenous Traditions and Beliefs, it does not detail which Indigenous groups have organised the event.”

Mutual Aid Katarokwi said that local Indigenous peoples, and those monitoring the tactics of the far-right, are concerned that “this event may be appropriating Indigenous customs and de-centering Indigenous peoples from stewardship of their own Sacred Protocols, to the benefit of the far-right and the profits of event promoters. These concerns could be addressed and discussed if contact could be made with the community starting and tending the fire. But again, this has been denied.”

Kingston Police have said that they are aware of an organized group descending on the City of Kingston either today or tomorrow for an “event”. “This event has been organized by members directly and indirectly involved in previous protests held in Ottawa earlier this year and involves an undisclosed number of individuals travelling from as far as British Columbia and Alberta to participate,” Kingston Police said in a statement.

“Police have become aware that event organizers are reportedly travelling to the Kingston area to participate in a gathering to celebrate the Summer Solstice with a ceremonial sacred fire in recognition of noted Indigenous significance, on what will be National Indigenous Peoples Day. The Summer Solstice, which is held on June 21st, is the longest day of the year and throughout history and across continents, has been a time for Indigenous cultural celebration,” police said in the statement. “However, after reaching out to Kingston’s Indigenous community members, police have ascertained that they have no awareness of this planned event nor did they invite this group of individuals to attend their own planned ceremonies,” Kingston Police continued.

“As a result of learning this information, Kingston’s Indigenous community, out of an abundance of caution, did not follow through with weekend ceremonies leading up to June 21st, and expressed some concern for how this group will affect their planned celebrations for National Indigenous Peoples Day. Police have assured the local Indigenous community that all measures will be taken to ensure that local celebrations are not disrupted,” Kingston Police said.

Kingston Police also said that they wish to assure the community that they “are working with external policing partners and local resources will be in place to respond to this organized event and will address all safety issues that may arise as a result.”

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Impending Freedom Convoy event in Kingston not supported by Indigenous community

Kingston Police Cruiser by Lake

Release Date: June 20, 2022

 

Police have become aware of an organized freedom rally group descending on the City of Kingston today and tomorrow for an “event” in our community. This event has been organized by members directly and indirectly involved in previous protests held in Ottawa earlier this year and involves an undisclosed number of individuals travelling from as far as British Columbia and Alberta to participate.

 

Police have become aware that event organizers are reportedly travelling to the Kingston area to participate in a gathering to celebrate the Summer Solstice with a ceremonial sacred fire in recognition of noted Indigenous significance, on what will be National Indigenous Peoples Day. The Summer Solstice, which is held on June 21st, is the longest day of the year and throughout history and across continents, has been a time for Indigenous cultural celebration.

 

A “sacred fire ceremony” has been planned at an undisclosed location in the Kingston area by freedom event organizers however, after reaching out to Kingston’s Indigenous community members, police have ascertained that they have no awareness of this planned event nor did they invite this group of individuals to attend their own planned ceremonies.

 

As a result of learning this information, Kingston’s Indigenous community, out of an abundance of caution, did not follow through with weekend ceremonies leading up to June 21st, and expressed some concern for how this group will affect their planned celebrations for National Indigenous Peoples Day. Police have assured the local Indigenous community that all measures will be taken to ensure that local celebrations are not disrupted.

 

Kingston Police wishes to assure the community that they are working with external policing partners and local resources will be in place to respond to this organized event and will address all safety issues that may arise as a result.

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Public invited to Indigenous Day events – 100 Mile House Free Press

Public invited to Indigenous Day events - 100 Mile House Free Press

Events are being planned at Canim Lake and Clinton for National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21.

The Canim Lake Band (Tsq’escenemc) will be hosting a National Indigenous Day at Eliza Archie Memorial School, starting at dawn with separate men’s and women’s sweathouses, followed by opening remarks and prayers at 10 a.m. and a series of events that include games, Elder storytelling, a mini-fishing derby, scavenger hunt and movie night. The event will wrap up at 9 p.m.

Joseph Archie, the band’s cultural enrichment coordinator, said they would like to make it an annual event.

“We should hold it every year and make it open to the public and non-Indigenous people to help them understand the culture, or something new they might not know about the Shuswap people,” he said.

In Clinton, the High Bar First Nation will also hold its first-ever Aboriginal Day.

Set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Reg Conn Park, the event will include former Canim Lake Band chief Mike Archie and his family, who will do a couple of dance demonstrations as well we lead the celebration in prayer and song, said Trina Hawkins, service coordinator for the HBFN.

“They’re going to lead us in the cultural part,” she said.

The day will also feature music by the Melawmen Collective – described as contemporary Indigenous alternative fusion – as well as by local Clinton resident Arlen Park. Information displays on the Big Bar slide, the High Bar’s archaeological department and the band’s heritage will on site.

A bannock competition will also be held at the event, along with a by-donation concession, with proceeds to be split between different causes such as National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People and Orange Shirt Day. Interested vendors should contact Hawkins at 250-459-2117.

Hawkins said this is the first time they have held an aboriginal day because they haven’t previously had the staff to organize it.

Although they have 220 members, many of them are spread out as far as Vancouver and the U.S.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples.

Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.


kelly.sinoski@100milefreepress.net
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