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Nanaimo celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day

Jun 21, 2018 | 4:38 PM

NANAIMO — Snuneymuxw First Nation members celebrated what makes them unique on National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Dozens of SFN members and residents celebrated at the band office Thurday, singing, dancing and playing traditional Indigenous games.

Chief Michael Wyse said the day represented everything he enjoys about their culture.

“We share our history through word of mouth, we don’t write things down,” he said while watching a drum circle. “We cherish that, we pass it down to our children for them to carry on to their children. That’s very important to us.”

Wyse said it was nice to enjoy the day and bring their Elders together to see old friends, even though their culture is celebrated every day.

“We’ve always brought our people together in events like this to really share that kinship with our families within our community. It doesn’t have to be Aboriginal Day, we’ll always come together.”

Former SFN Chief Max Settler remembered when Indigenous activists across Canada fought for the day.

“There’s a day for everyone else. For us, at least we got recognition of one day, as opposed to zero recognition.”

The Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre also hosted a celebration in Maffeo Sutton Park with live shows and activities designed to share Indigenous culture.

 

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit