Sunrise ceremonies, celebrations across Canada mark National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day was celebrated across the country on Saturday with hundreds of events planned to recognize and honor First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures and traditions. Prime Minister Mark Carney participated in a closed event to mark the day, emphasizing the government’s commitment to advancing reconciliation by supporting Indigenous communities, implementing treaties, and creating generational wealth and prosperity.

In Ottawa, the office of Gov. Gen. Mary Simon hosted a group of youth at Rideau Hall to commemorate the day by crafting paper hearts with messages of reconciliation, hope, and commitment. These hearts were then planted in Rideau Hall’s “heart garden,” which serves as a tribute to Indigenous individuals who suffered in residential schools.

Sunrise ceremonies were held in various locations across the country, including the North Slave Métis Alliance’s annual fish fry and stage show in Yellowknife and a full day of events at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse. In Toronto, Mayor Olivia Chow participated in a sunrise ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square, while the Na-Me-Res Traditional Powwow and Indigenous Arts Festival took place at the Fort York National Historic Site.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, Bannerman Park in St. John’s was filled with drumming, singing, and sage during First Light’s Sunrise Ceremony. Attendees participated in a smudging ceremony and shared blessed water and berries as a way to honor and remember those affected by residential schools.

In Manitoba, the Forks in Winnipeg hosted Many Nations, One Heartbeat, an 11-day festival featuring Indigenous performances, games, fashion, and crafts. The festival aimed to celebrate the stories, strength, and resilience of Indigenous communities, particularly in light of Manitoba’s recent wildfires.

Events in Saskatchewan included a celebratory gathering in Victoria Park in Regina and the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation in Saskatoon. Wanuskewin Heritage Park outside Saskatoon hosted a day-long event with dancing, traditional games, and singing.

On Prince Edward Island, Islanders gathered at the Charlottetown waterfront for music, dance, and food. The Lone Cry Singers drum group performed traditional songs, while vendors offered traditional food, art, and crafts for sale.

In Vancouver, a six-meter house post blessed by Tsleil-Waututh artist Zac George was installed outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, and a block party was held in the city’s Downtown Eastside neighborhood. East Hastings Street was transformed into a festive space with a teepee and performance stage, where festival-goers enjoyed Indigenous artwork, music, and food.

National Indigenous Peoples Day was a time for Canadians to come together, celebrate Indigenous cultures, and reflect on the importance of reconciliation and honoring the history and traditions of Indigenous peoples.