Supporters raised awareness for this years all online National Indigenous Peoples Day with a large banner on Saturday. (submitted/Chris Beaton)

By Spencer Sterritt

Nanaimo celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day more important than ever

Jun 21, 2020 | 6:59 AM

NANAIMO — National Indigenous Peoples Day is taking on added significance this year and undergoing changes.

The event on Sunday, June 21, traditionally held in Nanaimo at Maffeo Sutton Park, is going virtual this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s also expected to foster more engaging discussions in light of recent acknowledgements about systemic racism against Indigenous people in Canada.

Chris Beaton, executive director of the Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre, told NanaimoNewsNOW the day shows how cultures can come together.

“June 21 is simply a reminder of the Indigenous peoples contribution to this country’s history and the process of reconciliation this country is now involved in. This should be a reminder sharing knowledge and coming together to build relationships should be happening 365 days of the year.”

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Both Beaton and Joy Bremner, president of the Mid Island Metis Nation, expressed enthusiasm for recognizing National Indigenous Peoples Day as a holiday.

“It begins to connect all Canadian citizens with who all of the Indigenous people are,” Bremner said. “I think in moving forward and the growth of our country, that’s an important piece for a portion of our population.”

More than 250 gift packages were made and handed out for the day, including a medicine pouch, bannock mix and t-shirts. Pictures will be submitted of people wearing the t-shirts and shared on social media.

Bremner said video messages from a wide variety of community members will be posted online throughout the day.

“That enables everyone to touch in and connect somehow on the day, which is so important.”

Artwork from six different artists, including renowned beadworker Lisa Shepherd and Inuit artist Loretta Hopkins, will be presented. Anyone who shares photos of the works will be entered into a draw to win them.

The Facebook pages of both the Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre and Mid Island Metis Nation will feature posts throughout the day.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt