When you stop by the Haney Farmer’s Market this Saturday in Memorial Peace Park in downtown Maple Ridge, you might get distracted.
Because right beside the market, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., bannock bread will be on sale, and there will be aboriginal arts and crafts, drumming and singing.
It’s all part of the seventh Celebrate National Aboriginal Day in Maple Ridge, presented by the Fraser River All Nations Aboriginal Society.
The actual National Aboriginal Day was June 21, but holding a celebration of the day allows it to partner with the Haney Farmer’s Market on a Saturday.
“This year, we are honouring two health-care providers in the community,” said organizer Yvonne Desabrais.
Members of the Katzie and Kwantlen First Nations are invited and usually show up, but aren’t involved in the planning of the event.
Desabrais says the two bands are often busy planning their own celebrations.
The event is open to anyone, she said.
“It’s an all-inclusive, all-nation celebration for everybody to take part in. There is lots of good that comes from aboriginals even through all the negativity. We’re a strong nation.”