Toronto/CMEDIA: National Indigenous Peoples Day has been marked by Sunrise ceremonies and celebrations across Canada.
In recognition of reportedly the First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures and traditions, hundreds of events are planned across the country Saturday to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day,
“Supporting Indigenous communities, advancing self-determination, implementing treaties and creating generational wealth and prosperity are central to our commitment to advancing reconciliation,” Carney said in a statement.
“The government will work in full partnership with Indigenous Peoples — advancing shared priorities such as health care, food security, housing, education, economic prosperity, conservation, climate action and emergency management to build a better future.”
The office of Gov. Gen. Mary Simon said she will host youth at Rideau Hall’s “heart garden,”in Ottawa which honours Indigenous people who died in residential schools, along with survivors, and to mark the day by crafting paper hearts with “messages of reconciliation, hope and commitment.”
“Each heart is a symbol of our collective responsibility to listen to and carry forward their stories — of pain and disappointment, strength and courage — and to commit to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action,” Simon’s office said.
Sunrise ceremonies, which include prayers, greetings to the sun and giving thanks to the Earth, have been held today in multiple locations across the country.
Ontario
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow appeared at Nathan Phillips Square to participate in a sunrise ceremony.
Elsewhere in the city, the Na-Me-Res Traditional Powwow and Indigenous Arts Festival will take place at the Fort York National Historic Site, featuring traditional dances, live concerts and a food market.
Features a competition powwow, traditional foods and teaching sessions, the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday,In Ottawa,
Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John’s Bannerman Park was filled with Drumming, singing and sage for the First Light’s Sunrise Ceremony.
While also participating in a smudging ceremony, attendees shared blessed water and berries.
“We’re very fortunate to be one of the first in Turtle Island to greet the sun. And so that’s a big responsibility for us to do that in a good way,” said Kelly Young, a spokesperson for First Light, a St. John’s non-profit that offers services to the Indigenous community and works on preserving Indigenous culture.
Nova Scotia
At the break of dawn along the Atlantic coast near Louisbourg, N.S., about 40 people gathered for a Mi’kmaw sunrise ceremony.
Led by residential school survivor and Eskasoni First Nation Elder Lottie Johnson, who said the ceremony was meant for all people to share.
“It’s a very special time. It’s quiet and as the sun comes up, you see the creation of [the] creator. Everything is so beautiful and it’s like almost-new again. That’s where you get the hope and the will to go on.”
Manitoba
Starting Saturday, the Forks in Winnipeg will host Many Nations, One Heartbeat, an 11-day festival of Indigenous performances, games, fashion and crafts, one of many events across the province.
The festival will honour “the stories, strength and resilience of Indigenous communities, especially in this moment of significant displacement due to Manitoba’s wildfire,” Organizers said
Quebec
A barbecue, summer market and a tobacco ceremony as well as traditional drums and dance are included in the events in Montreal.
“[It’s] super important because people have to see each other outside of just tackling life challenges and trying to build services or do things like that. We need to just hang out, have some fun and relax,” said Philippe Tsaronséré Meilleur, Native Montreal’s executive director.
The Assembly of First Nations, meanwhile, released a summary report of its national forum held in February in Vancouver, saying there is still need for more Indigenous participation in Canadian decision-making.
National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said in a statement that the government’s passage of its major projects bill through the House of Commons on Friday highlighted how “First Nations participation continues to be undermined within Canada.”
“We must be full and meaningful participants at every level of decision making that affects our lands and territories,” Woodhouse Nepinak said, noting the assembly’s opposition to the bill due to what it believes to be the possible override of Indigenous rights and environmental safeguards.
“We also need a greater First Nations presence on the global stage, especially as the critical minerals and resources on First Nations territories are poised to fulfil a global need.”
More than a hundred people gathered at the city’s Old Port in Montreal to mark local Indigenous cultures on the first official day of summer.
Expressing optimism about the younger generation of Indigenous people. Mohawk elder Sedalia Fazio said things are moving in the right direction between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, but there’s a long way to go, noting that many are still unaware of Canada’s history and colonial policies.
“The real importance of this day is that the world begins to know that we are here, that we have always been here, and that we are not going anywhere,” Fazio said.
This year’s Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday at Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa. The festival features a competition powwow, traditional foods and teaching sessions.
Starting Saturday, the Forks in Winnipeg will host Many Nations, One Heartbeat, an 11-day festival of Indigenous performances, games, fashion and crafts.
Organizers say the festival will honour “the stories, strength, and resilience of Indigenous communities, especially in this moment of significant displacement due to Manitoba’s wildfire.”
