SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021 4
|
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
BY JENNIFER MCFEE
&
reflection
This year, National Indigenous Peoples Day marks a milestone 25 years of celebrating
the heritage and culture of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.
On June 21, the summer solstice is a sacred time to honour the diverse
impacts and achievements of all Indigenous communities.
"National Indigenous Peoples Day is important
because it highlights the contributions that all
Indigenous people — First Nations, Métis and Inuit
— have made to Canada's history. It also allows
Indigenous people a chance to celebrate," said Carla
Kematch, manager of truth and reconciliation and
community engagement for Red River College.
"Unfortunately, we can't gather this year, but usually
there are powwows happening throughout the city.
It's a beautiful time."
For non-Indigenous people, the annual event offers
an opportunity to experience Indigenous culture and
celebrations, Kematch added.
"A lot of non-Indigenous people still don't understand
the effects of intergenerational trauma from
residential schools and colonization. They see the
negatives and the issues that Indigenous people
struggle with on a daily basis, yet they don't have
an understanding of why that is," she said. "So this
gives them an opportunity to see the real positives of
Indigenous culture."
Celebration
National
Indigenous
Peoples Day!
We are proud to celebrate
the rich cultures, heritage and
accomplishments of Indigenous
peoples today — and every day.
204.945.3709
pccaucus@leg.gov.mb.ca
