National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations are happening across Canada and here are a few that caught our eye:
cape breton
The Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR) in Unama’ki, Cape Breton, is holding a salmon ceremony to honor the relationship the Mi’kmaq have with fish. The event on the Margaree River, near the Margaree Fish Hatchery, is open to the public and is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The salmon ceremony began as a way to honor the fish for sustaining the Mi’kmaq over the years and to remind the collectors of their spiritual responsibility to the salmon.
“We are grateful to be able to join with our community members and partners to honor our relationship with salmon and celebrate our Mi’kmaq culture,” UINR executive director Lisa Young said in an email to CBC News.
“To our Mi’kmaq people who have kept our culture alive and well, I would like to say Wela’lioq. Thanks to you, the Mi’kma’ki’s heart is pounding.”
The salmon ceremony began in 2019 in partnership with the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management program. Every year the UINR selects a new waterway plamu (salmon) travel. Attendees can expect storytelling from an old man and the spots.
Toronto
The Toronto Stock Exchange will mark the day with the unveiling of a permanent installation by Kathryn Corbiere, an Ojibway artist. The event will take place from 3 to 4:15 pm
The Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund will host 1,000 students at the Scotiabank Arena as part of an educational opportunity.
“It’s a really significant day, so we wanted to mark it in a way where we could really celebrate and recognize indigenous people and really make sure that learning was done as well,” said Angela Reid, director of development and marketing for Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack background.
Swan River, man.
The Elbert Chartrand Friendship Center in Swan River, Man., 300 miles northwest of Winnipeg, will mark the day with a sunrise ceremony around 5 a.m. Tanya Powell, the center’s housing coordinator, said everyone is welcome at the ceremony. but they ask women to be in skirts. A pancake breakfast will follow.
“I think we should all recognize the importance of indigenous peoples in our country,” Powell said.
At night, there will be a show of traditional dances and culture and a meal based on stew and bannock. Powell said that weather permitting, a bannock on a stick can also happen.
yellow knife
North Slave Métis Alliance will hold its annual fish fry. Food is free and they serve white fish, corn, beans and bannock along with a show from noon to 5 p.m. Joanne Taylor, NSMA administrative assistant, said there will also be a cultural vendor’s market.
“The lineups are long, so get there early,” Taylor said.
Fredericton
In NB, the Wolastoqey Tribal Council will hold a celebration at the legislature in Fredericton, beginning at 11 am
Kahnawake, Que.
Kahnawake, south of Montreal, will host an indigenous party from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Kahnawake Sports Complex.
Reference-www.cbc.ca