By Jill Sperling

Kamloops celebrates diversity of cultures during National Indigenous Peoples Day

Jun 21, 2018 | 5:23 PM

KAMLOOPS — With music and dancing Riverside Park came to life for National Indigenous Peoples Day. 

“It’s just bringing all of our cultures together and sharing because we all have different traditions,” said Vicki Michaud, Family Services Manager with Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society. “We have different stories, we have different languages. So it’s bringing us all together and sharing all that, and sharing it with everyone.”

The local event takes place every year on June 21, organized by the urban First Nations groups in the area. 

Tents circle the park, displaying local artwork, jewelry, and food. 

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It’s a free family event with plenty of activities for children. 

“We’re just doing fun things, we’re doing mostly things for kids,” said Dionne Mohammed, social worker with White Buffalo Aboriginal and Metis Health Society. “We kind of feel like celebrating this kind of a day is really about kids, and especially for our Indigenous culture, our children are at the centre of everything.” 

Most importantly, it’s a day for the entire community to learn about and participate in various Indigenous traditions. 

“I think it’s important for non-Indigenous people to come and understand that there’s not just one type of Indigenous person, but there’s a lot of diversity and beauty in our culture,” Mohammed said. “And beauty to share. Historically Indigenous people, even from first contact, were so giving and wanting to help newcomers. So, this is who we are as people. We are people who give. This is just part of that.”

Previously called National Aboriginal Day, the event received a name change last year to encompass the wide range of Indigenous cultures in Canada. And it’s a day for First Nations people to take pride in what they have been able to accomplish. 

“It’s a national day of recognition of Indigenous people and our accomplishments and our culture, our language, that we are still here,” said President of the BC Native Women’s Association, Anna Thomas. “It’s a great opportunity for community members to come out and learn and participate.”