National Day of the Indigenous Peoples begins with a sunrise ceremony in St. John’s
More than 100 people gathered for the annual sunrise ceremony in St. John’s to mark the start of National Day of Indigenous Peoples on Wednesday – despite the cold, foggy weather.
The ceremony began with sweeping, drumming and prayers from native elders. Marjorie Muise, a Mi’kmaw elder from Bay St. George, said she was proud to be there.
“It’s so important,” she said at the ceremony. “Everyone here came out to support us and celebrate with us, which is honorable in itself.”
First Light, an Indigenous non-profit organization based in St. John’s, holds the ceremony each year in Cavell Park, a green space near its headquarters on Quidi Vidi Road.
June 21, the summer solstice, marks Canada’s National Day of Indigenous Peoples, a day celebrating the cultures, languages and heritage of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, nations and individuals across the country.
Muise told CBC News that the spirituality of the ceremony is important.
“It affects a lot of people,” she said Wednesday morning.
She said the number of people attending the ceremony has exploded in recent years.
“It’s grown so well,” she said. “People [are] really acknowledging and accepting and understanding our cultures, which is really what we want to do – for people to understand who we are and not be intimidated, just come and share and learn.
“Come Together as One”
For Inuk Elder Emma Reelis, National Day of Indigenous Peoples is about celebration, remembrance and reconciliation.
“Everyone comes together, comes together as one,” she said. “So much was needed for reconciliation after residential schools and murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls.”
Reelis said seeing young people celebrate her culture gives her hope for the future.
“I really believe in youth and our children,” she said.
Stan Nochasak, an Inuk drummer from Nain, performed at the ceremony.
“Inuit drum is also the heartbeat of all creation,” he said.
First Light held its annual sunrise ceremony in St. John’s on Wednesday. Participants said National Indigenous Peoples Day is a time for reflection and celebration.
Nochasak said for him that National Day of Indigenous Peoples is a time to celebrate and remember his ancestors.
“We want to pass on this pride and keep the spirit alive and pass it on to the world,” he said.
“Everyone has a role, like a pebble of an inukshuk,” he said.
After the ceremony, First Light organized a breakfast at the headquarters.
Later on Wednesdays, First Light hosts free festivities including music performances, traditional hair braiding and drumming sessions at the Techniplex in St. John’s.
Salome Barker, First Light’s event and festival specialist, said the event is intended to celebrate the diverse Indigenous cultures in Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.
“It’s a happy day and everyone is welcome,” she said.
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