A traditional dancer kicks off an annual event held by the Indian Metis and Friendship Centre to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day at Kinsmen park in 2019. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Dawson Thompson

Virtual Event

Indian and Metis Friendship Centre to host virtual event on special day.

Jun 21, 2021 | 8:00 AM

Today is a day to recognize and celebrate the culture and history of Indigenous peoples across Canada.

Due to financial and COVID reasons, the Indian and Metis Friendship Centre did not have a celebratory event on National Indigenous Peoples Day last year, but will have a virtual event this afternoon.

It can be viewed on the Indian and Metis Friendship Centre Facebook page and will begin at 2 p.m.

Janet Carrier, Executive Director of the centre, said it’s crucial for the public to recognize and learn as well.

“It’s very important we acknowledge our Indigenous community. We can not right the wrongs that have happened, but we need to be better and move forward in a better way,” Carrier said. “It’s very important that we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day every year so that we can educate and inform everyone across this country about the history of our country regarding Indigenous people.”

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The public can expect singing, jigging, drumming, and powwow dancers on the streaming video. There will also be an honor song and a moment of silence to acknowledge the recent discovery of the remains of 215 former Residential School children in Kamloops, B.C.

Aside from that obvious tragic and somber reflection, Carrier is happy to be able to offer a virtual celebration today.

“Having the opportunity to have a virtual event has really been exciting,” Carrier said.

“We’re hoping next year we will be back in the park, rocking.”

For more local stories celebrating National Indigenous History Month and Peoples Day, click here.

Dawson.thompson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: dawsonthompson8