National Indigenous Peoples Day
TURTLE ISLAND – As Canada commemorated National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, the Alexandra Eagles (Alexandra Community School) hosted their first powwow, an incredible milestone for organizers who bring traditional teachings and knowledge into the classrooms of their students and the Owen Sound community where there is a large Anishnaabe presence.
Chantelle Stoyanoff’s children attend the Alexandra Community School, and as an Indigenous parent, she wanted to see an opportunity for her children and others to learn about local history.
“At the Home of the Eagles we work hard and we play hard, while at the same time learning to walk a “Good Path” in life,” the school’s website says.
Stoyanoff and Principal Staci Marck of the Alexandra Community School noted that “with 11 per cent of the student population self-identifying as Indigenous, it would be a great opportunity to expand the school’s focus on Indigenous history. Stoyanoff suggested organizing a powwow on Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) land to bring both nations together in honour of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
“Throughout the school year, multiple meetings were held to plan the event. We reached out to both nations to invite guest speakers and fire keeper,” Stoyanoff said. “Lester Anoquot graciously agreed to participate, sharing stories about his heritage and community. He also served as our Community Staff Carrier, helping to make the event possible. Additionally, we designated June as Indigenous Month at the school, featuring demonstrations by dancers for the students.”
Retired principal Dan Russel invited 4th and 7th grade students from his former school to his property on June 20. There, they collected the cedar for the powwow and received teachings about the significance of traditional medicines at community gatherings from Stoyanoff, who received many of her teachings from her uncle, the late John Pheasant, a knowledge keeper and pipe carrier from Wikwemikong, Ont.
“This was the first time an Owen Sound school hosted such an event. Despite some challenges, we were thrilled to see the students’ smiles as they learned about truth and reconciliation and walked the good path,” Stoyanoff said. “Our community continues to grow, embracing and sharing knowledge along the way. Our Eagle Students were exceptionally helpful and involved throughout the setup and takedown process, reinforcing our sense of family.”
Stoyanoff thanked the various sponsors and supporters that helped to make this event happen, including - Bruce Power, Food Basics, Saugeen First Nations, Chippewa of Nawash, Chippewa Travelers, Zehrs, Domino’s, Wholesale Club, No Frills, From the Farm, Oshare, M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre, and parent council.
“To make this event happen, we conducted numerous fundraisers held by the Parent Council. Although we faced a few minor issues with vendors, we managed to resolve them successfully,” said Stoyanoff. “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors.”
About National Indigenous Peoples Day
National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated every year on June 21, and numerous activities are organized across the country to showcase the richness and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultural expressions and stories.
For generations, many Indigenous groups and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on June 21 or around that time of year because the summer solstice is the longest day of the year.
Originated in 1996
National Aboriginal Day, now National Indigenous Peoples Day, was announced in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, through the Proclamation Declaring June 21 of Each Year as National Aboriginal Day. This was the result of consultations and statements of support for such a day made by various Indigenous groups:
- In 1982, the National Indian Brotherhood, now the Assembly of First Nations, called for the creation of National Aboriginal Solidarity Day;
- In 1995, the Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people chaired by Elijah Harper, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous Peoples;
- In 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended the designation of a National First Peoples Day.
On June 21, 2017, the Prime Minister issued a statement announcing the intention to rename this day National Indigenous Peoples Day. - rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca.
Cory Bilyea, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Wingham Advance Times
