Thousands of people gathered at Royal Roads University in Colwood on Friday to mark Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day.
The sounds of the traditional canoe landing protocol started off the event on the shores of the Esquimalt Lagoon. The opening ceremonies were led by lək̓ʷəŋən Elder Butch Dick and family members from the lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples, the Songhees and Xʷsepsəm Nations.
One of the partners of the celebrations was the Victoria Native Friendship Centre. Advocacy coordinator Chris Mockford is happy that this day marks an important reminder of those who have stewarded the land for generations.
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“For me, as a child I never had a day to celebrate myself. I was always taught that we were very historical in nature and that always confused me because as a kid they were like, you know, native people lived on these lands hundreds of years ago and I was like…. but I’m right here! It doesn’t make sense,” said Mockford.
Some activities at the celebration included children’s field games and a craft tent, a frybread station, vendor market and food trucks, and an interactive Métis showcase that featured storytelling and songs in Tipis.
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(CHEK News)
(CHEK News)
(CHEK News)
Tchadas Leo
