Blood Tribe member Theron Black performs a Grass Dance powwow at Kin Park in this June 2019 file photo. The annual event celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day is back Friday.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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Friday afternoon the city will host a celebration event one day prior to National Indigenous Peoples Day that occurs this Saturday to honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous Peoples throughout Canada.
“This is a day for all people to connect with one another and share in Indigenous culture, ceremony and tradition,” reads a statement from Alberta Human Rights. “It is a time to come together and celebrate, but it is also a time to increase our understanding of Indigenous history and reflect on the issues facing Alberta’s Indigenous people today.”
The local event will begin at the clock tower at city hall plaza at 1 p.m. and there will also be a teepee set up outside city hall on the grass near Finlay Bridge.
The two-hour ceremony will begin with an opening prayer and smudge led by Elder Charlie Fox, and an honour song performed by community drummers.
There will also be dance presentations and a flag-raising ceremony, as well as remarks from local dignitaries.
Aaron Nelson, Medicine Hat’s manager of cultural experiences and events, says the ceremony provides residents an opportunity to reflect on “profound knowledge” of Indigenous Peoples.
“Their stories, traditions and teachings continue to shape the spirit of this land. Today and every day, we celebrate the rich cultural mosaic they bring to our shared community, and commit to listening, learning and walking forward together in respect and unity.”
National Indigenous Peoples Day is June 21.
The United Nations observes the International Day of World’s Indigenous People on Aug. 9, recognizing and celebrating the valuable and distinctive identities of Indigenous Peoples around the globe.
In Canada, Sept. 30 is Orange Shirt Day, raises awareness about the Indian Residential School system and its impact on Indigenous communities throughout generations.
