With an array of food, music, traditional dance, and other cultural activities available, the Bonnyville Canadian Native Friendship Centre led in celebrating First Nations, Inuit and Métis culture and history in Bonnyville, once again hosting National Aboriginal Day at the Bonnyville and District Museum grounds on June 21.
The celebrations started Friday with a teepee raising ceremony at the Bonnyville Health Centre, before rolling over into Saturdays activities, which started with a peace pipe ceremony, including elders and dignitaries from the region.
The rain slowed the stream of people coming to the events, and forced the dancing and drumming inside one of the museum's buildings, but it did not put a damper on the spirits of those in attendance.
Jingle dancer Meagan Anishinabie, who recently moved to Cold Lake from Sandy Lake, an community in Northern Ontario, said she was happy to be taking part in the day's events and hoped to see the knowledge of different cultures continue to grow.
“I'm getting to know the area and getting involved in the community,” she said. “It's really nice to see the awareness of indigenous culture continuing to grow across Canada.”
Lauri Fitzpatrick, the Friendship Centre's executive director said the events help build better relationships and communities.
“I enjoy seeing this go on. It lets everyone see and learn about different culture they might not have been exposed to. It helps build relationships and break down barriers.”
She said the events could not happen without funding from Canada Heritage and Aboriginal Relations, and the hard work and volunteerism of community groups and local companies, like ATCO, the Bonnyville Museum and B&R Eckel's.