Manic Monday | Proudly Canadian......but remember....
There has never been a question in my mind that I am a proud Canadian and very grateful to have been born in this country, during this period of history. But there has also never been any question in my mind that Canada's history carries with it the burden of the treatment of our First Nations people, a history we are often challenged to completely comprehend.
This Saturday, as Canada marks its first 150 years of confederation, I am also reminded that the country itself and its Indigenous peoples date back thousands of years. Their story and their past are ones that far too many Canadians do not fully understand and appreciate and as we come upon this milestone in our current history it is one that we all have a responsibility to become familiar with.
As many of you know this past week, June 21st, was National Aboriginal Day. Throughout the country, province and our region there were celebrations, ceremonies, the retelling of stories and the rebirth of many legends. Wiser men than I have said "by studying the past we can prevent history from repeating itself". Not only do I believe those words to be true but there is so much more to be gained. Through education, truthful communication and the sharing of a culture and spirituality that is a stunning and complex mosaic we have the chance to truly become a united nation.
We are at a significant crossroads in time, a meeting of the "old testament" with the new if you will, and an opportunity to forge a future together where all that inhabit these lands can live with respect, understanding and appreciation. The path has been a difficult one and often very divisive but time and people are changing. We must embrace the past with all of the wrong doings and move forward building on the best of what all our individuals have to offer.
I am fiercely proud of being a Canadian and I know that we can show the world how to bring a nation together. As I watch the fireworks and sing the anthem on Saturday night...that is where my thoughts will be. Respect, trust, honesty and the beginning of much stronger 150 years.
Here is a sampling of things that took place around the region last week. If you missed them be sure to mark your calendar for next year.
Aboriginal Day Events
Westbank First Nations
The Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society put on an event that blocked off a section of Leon Ave. There was a talent show, a community feast with Indian tacos, face painting, a bouncy castle, vendors, a mini pow wow and a teepee set up on the street.
Kamloops Indian Band
Hosted a Summer Solstice Ceremony and all-day activities, vendors, food and late-night fireworks.
Merritt
An event including Nlaka’pamux people and Syilx people was put on in Rotary Park in Merritt where there were activities, vendors, drumming, contests and intertribal dancing.
Penticton Indian Band
The Shatford Centre for Arts hosted a mini pow wow, native art exhibit and an evening community feast.
Osoyoos Indian Band
On June 20th Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre hosted a guided cultural walk and luncheon with Indian tacos. In the evening, Nk’Mip Cellars hosted a dinner gala on their gorgeous patio. The evening included a couple dances by a young interpreter who works at the desert cultural centre, Okanagan song was sang and Chief Clarence Louie made some speeches.
On June 21st, the Desert Cultural Centre brought in students from SenPokChin School for a tour and activities to celebrate.
Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band
Quaaout lodge hosted activities, canoe tours, archery, a bird of prey exhibit, drumming, a fire on the beach and fireworks. During the Canoe Ceremony they launched, for the first time, the canoe that has had a thousand hands throughout the region work on it since the falling of the tree in January.
Splatsin Indian Band
The Splatsin Teaching Centre Society put on a presentation with their students in the Splatsin Community Centre. The presentation included various songs, dances and stories.
Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO
