Prince George kicks off three-day National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration

The community has come together to start a three day celebration in Prince George to mark National Indigenous People’s Day.

Lheidli T'enneh First Nation along with an organization called 2 Rivers Remix (2RMX) Moveable Feast, Northern Indigenous Arts Council (NIAC), and the Omineca Artist Run Centre Society (Omineca Arts) to host Dune Lhuhuweẕdel, Indigenous Peoples’ Gathering, from June 21-23.

The first day of Dune Lhuhuweẕdel began at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park with a welcome from Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan and a performance from the Khast’an Drummers followed by a performance from drummers from Nusdeh Yoh Elementary School.

“Today is an opportunity to learn about different cultures and maybe learn a little bit of the language,” said Chief Logan before introducing Lheildi T’enneh Councillors and welcoming everyone to the event.

“Today is about learning, its about inclusion and it is about education. Isn’t it great to see school children here? That’s how we make a difference moving into the future by ensuring that the young people today understand the importance of inclusion and tolerance and well equity,” added  MLA Prince George – Valemount Shirley Bond, who also gave opening remarks.

Prince George Mayor Simon Yu thanked the Lheildi T’enneh for organizing the event.

“Today is a special day not only for us here but for everyone in Canada. This is a national Indigenous Day. It is a day like this where people from sea to sea to shining sea are united together to celebrate Indigenous culture to learn from each other. This is important,” said Yu.

“I’m so glad that Chief Dolleen had the wisdom to extend this event two more days so more people in town can attend.”

Throughout the day the park was alive with drumming, singing, dancing, Elders stories, displays, kids’ activities, artisan vendors and food vendors.

The second day of celebrations on June 22 will also be held at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park however, the third day, June 23, will move indoors at the Omineca Arts Centre as part of their Open Mic Series in conjunction with an Indigenous group art exhibition throughout the month of June.

Full event details for the three day-celebration can be found online.