By Spencer Sterritt

National Aboriginal Day helping Nanaimo youth connect with culture

Jun 20, 2017 | 4:31 PM

NANAIMO — Downtown Nanaimo will be filled with the sights and sounds of jingle dresses and traditional First Nations singing for National Aboriginal Day.

On Wednesday, June 21, celebrations will first happen on Newcastle Island from 12 to 3 p.m. and then move over to Maffeo Sutton Park until 8 p.m. Various groups, such as hoop dancers, singers and carvers will fill both sites for the free event.

“I think it’s important to realize that our community has been here for thousands of years,” Chris Beaton, executive director of the Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre, told NanaimoNewsNOW. “A day to recognize that contribution and the richness of their diverse cultures is important.”

Last year more than 3,000 people turned out for the event.

Though it’s just one day, Beaton said it represents the continued success of Indigenous, Metis and Inuit people all year long, which he said is especially important for their youth.

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“As young Aboriginal children get out and they see the broader community celebrating their culture and their history, it makes them more proud as well, which is significant for our young people.”

Representatives from urban bands across Canada will visit for the celebration, which Beaton said will highlight the ties between all Indigenous people while also showing what’s unique about West Coast culture in comparison.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit