Lead by traditional dancer Eli Tootoosis, a grand entry parade marks the start of an annual event held by the Indian and Metis Frienship Centre on National Indigenous Peoples Day in Prince Albert. (Brady Bateman/paNOW Staff)

By Brady Bateman

Cultural Celebration

P.A. celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day

Jun 21, 2019 | 3:58 PM

There was plenty to do in Prince Albert to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, a day to which serves to celebrate and recognize the culture and history of Indigenous peoples across Canada.

Large crowds gathered together at Prince Albert’s Kinsmen Park for a day filled with traditional Indigenous music, food and dancing – as well as activities like beading, face painting and crafts.

“It’s a good day to bring the community together. Having an event like this brings together everyone, everyone is the same,” Georgette Arcand, the program director of the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre, said.

“We get to come together and celebrate our history and showcase all of the musicians and artisans in the community and all the amazingly talented people in Prince Albert.”

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Arcand added the annual event to recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day continues to grow within the community and hopes that tradition will continue in the future with more people recognizing the importance of Indigenous culture and history.

The day’s festivities began at 9 a.m., with a teepee raising and pipe ceremony. At 2 p.m., opening ceremonies were held featuring a grand entrance from a variety of respected individuals in the P.A. area.

“Today we are celebrating Aboriginal culture and lifestyle with everyone. We are all together in this world, the way I danced today was for everyone, for healing and so everyone feels good when they go home,” Eli Tootoosis, who took part in the entrance ceremony said.

“It was a dance that shows following the line of our ancestors, and their teachings – that’s why we come together in a circle, because life moves in a circle. I hope everyone here today just loves one another and uses the opportunity to come together.”

Those who attended were treated to a free barbecue lunch. Events continue from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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Brady.bateman@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TheDigitalBirdy