THUNDER BAY – National Indigenous People’s Day brought out hundreds to Marina Park on Friday to celebrate and honour Indigenous people.
Chief Michele Solomon of Fort William First Nation said it was a day of acknowledgement of Indigenous people, Indigenous culture and celebrating Indigenous ways of being and ceremonies.
“This event alternates to be held here at the marina and at Anemki Wajiw, our sacred mountain at Fort William First Nation,” she said.
Solomon said from her personal experience, things have been changing.
“I think back, when I was a young person going to school, there is no way we would have had the opportunity to come to an event like this to learn about culture and the First Peoples of this land.
“Young people now are learning this at an early age. If you look into the future, it’s going to change the way this looks in 20 years from now.
“Young people from all walks of life will know, they will have the understanding and awareness of Indigenous people and what has happened throughout history,” she said.
Solomon said she couldn’t even guess the number of people out at the marina on Friday.
“It’s really great that we’re all coming together, getting to know each other, building relationships and just taking pause to reflect on the history, how we came here and where we’re at today,” she said.
“The most important thing is, we’re all in a process of learning and understanding and it's never about blame or shame. Ask questions and learn.
“It’s such a wonderful opportunity to be together in kindness and respect," she said.
Acting mayor Kasey Etreni said the day felt enlightening, energetic and welcoming.
“This event shows history, culture and engages our community. And we can all learn something.”
Etreni said the Elders love to educate people about their culture, their history, and why they dance.
“This morning, we had the sunrise ceremony that was held by Elders in our community.
“It was a wonderful sharing and diverse group that came together to talk about good things for our community. It started our day off in a good way,” she said
Etreni said the amount of support at the event means that Thunder Bay is welcome to learn about other cultures.
“This type of education will help people understand people.”
In 2011, Thunder Bay city council and Fort William First Nation’s council created a joint declaration of commitment.
“It indicated that both councils would meet twice a year to discuss education and ways we can do better and collaborate,” Etreni said.
On Friday, Etreni asked her fellow leaders to look the declaration over again, and how they can reinstate it.
“It was put aside just before the pandemic and it is time to reinstate that now.
“If we work together, we can support each other and actually be better,” Etreni said.
