NEWS
P R I N CE G E O R G E C I T I Z E N
ONAL ENOUS PLES
26
th
OUS-PEOPLES-DAY
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022
A17
JUNE 21
Indigenous Day fun set for Lheidli T’enneh Park HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
After a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation will be officially hosting National Indigenous People’s Day (NIPD) celebrations on June 21. The event will be an all-day event that will carry on into the early eveniung at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park. “We are going to make sure it’s going to be one of the best ones yet and something to remember so the stage lineup is pretty packed and stellar,” said 2022 NIPD event manager Jen Rubadeau. “Typically, NIPD ends around four or five o’clock but to get that after-work dinner traffic for those people who have to be at work during the day we are staying open until 7 p.m.,” said Rubadeau. School District No. 57 (SD57) is also participating in the events. “I think it’s around 8,000 students that are coming so it’s pretty incredible. We are really looking forward to having the park filled with youth during the day and having the adults and families come in the afternoon and into the evening,” added Rubadeau. She said there will also be learning opportunities
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan and Indigenous Day event manager Jen Rubadeau. during the day for Elders to share their stories and teach language. “Our Nation is thrilled to be able to host a NIPD celebration this year and bring people together again to celebrate history, traditions, and importance of Indigenous nations and communities to Canada.” She said National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity for everyone in the community to gather, and celebrate Indigenous culture and traditions but mostly it’s a day to have fun. “This year SD57 is going to be bringing the kids so
we plan on having fun and what is more fun than food, dancing, music and kids,” said Logan. “There’s going to be a ton of vendors, so people selling their crafts and wares, but also delicious food so there’s going to be the aroma of all the yummy things you want to eat and lots of bannock so that is always a huge hit,” Rubadeau said. “On the stage, you are going to hear music, you are going to smell smudging ceremonies, and hear the jingle of dancing and that will be through the entire park,” she added. Rubadeau said they are also organizing a lahal – which is a traditional game also known as the bone game – where the objective is to win sticks by guessing where the unmarked bones are in the opposing team’s hands. “So, it is really trying to invigorate and put as much cultural fun into the event as we can and infuse it with language and learning,” added Rubadeau. She said the organizers are still looking for sponsorships, vendors, and volunteers so anyone who is interested can find more information on the National Indigenous Peoples Day Facebook Page. The whole thing will take place on June 21 from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park and everyone is welcome.
Honouring
Please join me in recognizing, honouring and celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day.
National Indigenous Peoples Day Acknowledging the diversity, vibrancy, and contributions of Indigenous cultures.
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY JUNE 21, 2022
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