Published Jul 09, 2024, Pembroke Observer

---

National Indigenous Peoples Day in Pembroke celebrated the history, culture, and contributions of First Nations peoples to Canada.

The event was hosted by Waka-ehi Lodge, which is part of Family and Children’s Services of Renfrew County (FCSRC), at Pembroke Waterfront Park on June 21. 

The celebration began around 11 a.m. with a cleansing smudge conducted by Elder Aimee Bailey. 

“Waka-ehi Lodge and FCSRC was very proud to have ‘all nations’ come to learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day,” said Kerry Fortin, family and community engagement worker at FCSRC. “We were very happy with the day and hope it only gets bigger as we try to bring more knowledge about the day.” 

During the day, a sacred fire was kept burning just east of the Riverwalk Amphitheatre. The event featured several booths set up along the walkways with artists, crafters, musicians, storytellers and vendors who shared different aspects of Indigenous culture. 

Fortin explained the event is all about celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day, held annually across Canada on June 21 – the summer solstice – and is a day for Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. He said the organizing group for Indigenous Peoples Day from Waka-ehi Lodge had been preparing for the celebration for about three months.  

“My theme is education and health,” Fortin said. “I wanted this National Indigenous Peoples Day to be about knowledge and education for and about Indigenous people, and how happy I am that there are areas for people to go in Pembroke if they are in need, which FCS is only one avenue. We are lucky to see progress where we have amazing Indigenous grad coaches in the schools and resources like Mashkiwizii manido in Pembroke. It also has places like The Robbie Dean Centre and The Grind for those in need.” 

Fortin said he was grateful for the Elders who joined in on the event, and Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais and the City of Pembroke, and all of the volunteers who helped with the day. 

“We send love out to those who sponsored us and donated like OPG, No Frills, National Grocers and Valley Buns Bakery and Deli as well as the organizations who took time out of their busy days to set up booths and share in the day with us. I would also like to say that we felt very honoured to have representatives from Nigig Nibi Ki-win Gamik Society of Pikwakanagan join us to help celebrate the day,” Fortin said. 

adixon@postmedia.com