To honour National Indigenous Peoples Day, the North Thompson Aboriginal Cultural Centre Society (NTACCS) in partnership with the B.C. Métis Federation will be hosting a special celebration at Dutch Lake beach on Saturday, June 21 starting at 11:00 a.m. and going until 4:00 p.m.
The theme of this year’s National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada is ‘Keeping the circle strong through the sacred relationship with Mother Earth’ reflecting the pride First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities take in their rich heritage, traditions and cultures as the caretakers of Mother Earth / nature and water which is seen as ‘the giver of life’.
“We gratefully acknowledge that we will be hosting this event on the traditional and unceded territories of the Simpcw First Nations People as we gather to celebrate all Indigenous peoples," Linday MacInnes, vice-chair of the NTACCS told Black Press on June 7. "Everyone is welcome to attend. There will be drumming, live fiddle music, crafts, games and more. There will be lunch to enjoy, by donation, from our concession. We encourage families to bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy the beach while celebrating Indigenous culture. We are reminding guests that all children will need to be accompanied by an adult.”
The annual event takes place during National Indigenous Peoples Month in June. According to the Indigenous Tourism B.C. website, the month is "designated by Canada for all Canadians to honour the cultures and contributions of the Indigenous Peoples in Canada."
If you are interested in learning more about the North Thompson Aboriginal Cultural Centre Society, and becoming a member, all cultures are welcome. Please contact them directly at cindy.wilgosh@gmail.com or ntaborignal.ccs@gmail.com.
