National Indigenous Peoples Day was celebrated in Clearwater on June 21, embracing the theme of "Be Proud" for all First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples while welcoming all to join in the activities hosted by the North Thompson Aboriginal Cultural Centre Society (NTACCS).
The event was held at the Dutch Lake Community Centre field and stage area on a sunlit, blue-sky day with the scent of fresh bannock frying, a wide selection of refreshments, activity tables, games, crafts, local musical entertainment, face painting, and drumming throughout the day.
Cindy Wilgosh, ececutive director for the NTACCS, was praised for her continued community spirit contributions by Clearwater mayor Merlin Blackwell, who attended the event.
"Cindy Wilgosh is the kind of community member all towns dream of having," he said. "She makes you want to show up for every event she’s part of. She represents the people and causes she believes in incredibly well and she is more than an impressive leader, she also gets in there and does the hard work alongside her volunteer teams. She is humble about it, but also very fierce when she needs to be.
"Cindy walks the walk and talks the talk, and probably still has time to do a few good deeds while doing those other things.”
The day’s events opened with an acknowledgement to the Secwépemc Nation, specifically the Territory of the Simpcw People, who have occupied these lands since time immemorial.
Sponsors of the event were also gratefully thanked. They include the B.C. Métis Federation, the North Thompson Aboriginal Cultural Centre Society, Yellowhead Community Services, Interior Métis Association, the District of Clearwater, Buy Low Foods, Tim Horton’s, and the Clearwater Times.
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."
“A lot of hard work from a lot of good people went into this Indigenous Peoples Day," said Blackwell. "Everyone involved should be so proud. So much positivity in a time when we need more goodness.”
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.
