National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrated
‘Just know we exist out her in the Niagara Region’
Indigenous and non-Indigenous Niagarans joined together on Thursday at the Niagara Regional Native Centre to learn, honour and celebrate Indigenous culture.
The NRNC opened its doors to the community to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Cultural resources co-ordinator Philip Davis said the day allowed for a time of community and awareness.
“Just know that we exist out here in the Niagara region,” Davis said. “I think that’s one of the big things for us, is a lot of people don’t know (about us).”
The day began at 5 a.m. with a sunrise ceremony led by Albert Choken, wisdom keeper of the day. Choken said he’s lived in Niagara-on-the-Lake for over 10 years, and has been involved with the centre for the last five.
“It’s really nice to be here, to be part of our history,” Choken said. “We welcome whoever comes down.”
Choken said the day was especially important for children in attendance.
Chauntel Knells said she and her sister Michelle brought their kids to the event after reclaiming their Indigenous heritage in the past year.
“It’s a new family tradition,” Knells said. “Our grandmother always showed us the traditions as we grew up. And now we’re just deciding as the younger generation to teach our children as well.”
Knells said she first contacted NRNC through an email last year when she was hoping to reconnect with her culture, and quickly became involved.
“They just welcome you in, and help you out — anything you need,” she said.
Throughout the day food was served and games and workshops offered, such as Metis sash weaving and a drum-making demonstration.
Chris Shawanoo, executive director of the centre, led a workshop on fire-keeping teachings.
“There was some of the longterm teachings that I’ve had, that have been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years in terms of how to start a fire, how to keep a fire, the roles of fire keepers,” Shawanoo said.
He also noted the importance of the day for non-Indigenous peoples.
“Coming here and learning the benefits of how Indigenous people think and feel and the gifts that we actually provide to the world,” he said. “Some of that is lying within our environmental protection and understanding what Mother Earth is really wanting out of humans.”
He said the representation from various Niagara municipalities, including the mayor of NOTL and Thorold, were “amazing.”