Maple Ridge marked Indigenous People’s Day 2022 with a celebration in Memorial Peace Park, with singing, dancing, drumming, public art, children’s activities and more.
The event took place in the downtown park on June 18, and there were hundreds of people in the park for the event.
READ ALSO: Former MP Ruimy will run for mayor of Maple Ridge
The Fraser River Indigenous Society organized the event, which highlighted the culture of the Katzie First Nation and other Indigenous people.
“Every day is a good day to be Indigenous,” said Michael Kelly-Gabriel of the Kwantlen First Nation.
“Our culture is what makes us who we are. Our languages make us who we are. Our songs, and our dances and our origin stories… make us who we are. And that’s what makes us beautiful.”
There were tents around the park selling a variety of items, from drums to works of art. There were also educational exhibits for children and adults, such as the natural weaving tent.
A favourite stop was artist Rosalie Dipscu’s interactive mural. The artwork told the story of the origins of the Katzie First Nation, and members of the community were able to add their own animals and art to the project.
Organizers promoted food security with the planing of the traditional three sisters crops of beans, squash and corn
Joseph Dandurand, a Canadian poet, playwright and archaeologist from Kwantlen First Nation, read his work. He has written a poem every day for 30 years, and has published 13 collections.
On June 21 there will be more Indigenous People’s Day events in Lower Mainland Communities, and the Katzie and Kwantlen First Nations will be involved in Surrey’s National Indigenous People’s Day Celebration and Wellness Event at Holland Park from 3-8 p.m.
READ ALSO: Ottawa police says this year’s Canada Day will see ‘unprecedented’ security response
Have a story tip? Email: ncorbett@mapleridgenews.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.