THUNDER BAY -- The sound of booming drums, singing, and jingling dresses accompanied a picture perfect day at the top of Mount McKay.
On the longest day of the year, there was only room for sunshine and bright colours, as thousands dressed up in dazzling outfits to celebrate National Indigenous People’s Day.
“Having everyone come together: Indigenous, non-Indigenous, all from different backgrounds sharing,” said Ashley Nurmela who volunteered to work as the chair of the event, adding the most important function of the event is the inclusivity.
“Sharing the knowledge, sharing the food, sharing the tradition, the crafts, the food… and enjoying it as one.”
The event is organized by a series of subcommittees according to Nurmela.
“It’s super satisfying to see it come together,” she said.
This year’s theme was to honour and share Indigenous history. A series of significant objects such as a birch bark canoe, a truth and reconciliation art display, and a traditional red dress were on site.
But of course, the main event was the pow-wow.
The Indigenous love of dance was displayed by the masses, and it seemingly had no end.
Grass dancer Allan Wemigwans took a few minutes away from the pow-wow to talk about the history of his tradition.
“Grass dancing originated in the plains out west,” Wemigwans said. “Our style represents the grass blowing in the wind. Whatever we do one side, we mimic that on the other side.”
Wemigwans said dancing is “a part of us.”
“Watching the other dancers, feeling the beat of the drum… it just feels really good, to pray, to get steam off, to give off positive vibes, it’s just a good all-around feeling to be dancing.
10-year-old dancer Nevaeh Morriseau has been dancing for eight years, and said the day of celebration is one of her favourites.
“Being with my family, seeing all my friends, that’s everything.” she said, wearing a radiant pink jingle dress.
“I don’t know. To make people aware of our culture, and how it all began, it’s important. Not just for Canada, for everyone.”
