By Dylana Milobar

First ever Indigenous Peoples March makes its way through Kamloops streets

Jan 18, 2019 | 3:08 PM

KAMLOOPS — Downtown streets were filled with the sound of traditional drumming this afternoon, as Kamloops hosted the first ever Indigneous Peoples March planned and organized in Canada.

Organizer Nikki Fraser says the march was put together in solidarity with the main Indigenous Peoples March taking place in Washington D.C.

“And for Kamloops, the standing in solidarity march with the Indigenous Peoples March in D.C was the first one planned and organized in Canada. And after that there was one in Saskatchewan and then one in Alberta planned as well.”

Fraser says participants came out for a variety of reasons, mainly to have their voices heard.

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“All over the world they’re marching for their own reasons, and I don’t want to pinpoint certain reasons, so that it doesn’t overshadow the whole purpose of this march — to elevate all Indigenous voices,” Fraser explains, “so that people are respecting and valuing Indigenous peoples’ voices.”

A mix of First Nations, Metis, and non-Indigenous community members made up the crowd of roughly 60 people who made the trek from Riverside Park to City Hall today.

“It was really nice to see that community support and the numbers show up, and just people gathering together to unite our voices. It was really great.”

After a successful inaugural event, Fraser says they will be bringing the march to Kamloops again next year.