National Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations in Nanaimo drew visitors from across the region Saturday, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, who toured the Nanaimo Museum alongside members of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.
During the visit, Snuneymuxw Elder Bill White and Councilor Erralyn Joseph shared stories of their Nation’s history, culture and connection to the territory, offering the Prime Minister a deeper understanding of the region’s Indigenous heritage.
Carney was given a wool nobility blanket, traditionally made by the Snuneymuxw First Nation for high-ranking leaders, and a headpiece made of cedar.
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In a statement, Carney said the government has worked in partnership with Indigenous people over the last year to advance “shared priorities and major projects.”
“Today, as we celebrate the resilience of Indigenous Peoples across Canada, we continue to build a better future in partnership,” he wrote.
“A future where First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children grow up connected to the cultures, languages, and traditions of their ancestors and with access to the full promise of Canada.”
At Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo, hundreds of people took part in a day of cultural performances, shopped at Indigenous vendors and ate traditional foods.
Among the vendors was The Bannock Room food truck, serving up fresh bannock and chilli to visitors throughout the day.
“I think that people in general like The Bannock Room, but they come for the food on these types of days because they are showing respect or they are Indigenous and just want to enjoy the food,” said owner-operator Mandy Large. “So it’s nice to bring the truck out at these events.”
National Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations were held in communities across the Island over the weekend. At Royal Roads University, annual festivities featured drumming, dancing, cultural performances and Indigenous vendors.
“I think it’s an important day to remind people of our heritage, of where we come from, that we’re from this land,” said Brenda Fletcher, vice-president of the Mid-Island Métis Nation.
Held annually on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples’ Day coincides with the summer solstice, a day that holds cultural and spiritual significance for many Indigenous communities across Canada.
Organizers say events like those held in Nanaimo help build understanding between communities while celebrating the resilience, traditions and achievements of Indigenous Peoples.
-With files from The Canadian Press