Indigenous Peoples Day offers many ways to honour Indigenous culture and resilience
National Indigenous Peoples Day is here, an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, culture and history of the Indigenous people of Canada.
Ell Bird, a two-spirit Ojibway and gender-queer person, says Indigenous truth, culture and stories have been silenced for decades, which is why the special day is so important.
People need to be informed about Indigenous stories, learn how to interact with local Indigenous communities, and participate in cultural activities respectfully.
"Pick up a book written by a First Nations person — I would recommend Braiding Sweetgrass, it's a great introduction to Indigenous philosophy, and it's about a scientist — even if you just learn one or two things," Bird said.
Bird says people can learn a lot by going to powwows, looking at Indigenous artifacts in museums, checking out beading exhibits, or taking part in one of the many celebrations.
"I want people to find solace and validation in embracing and interacting with each other's cultures because that's when some of the most powerful collaborations have been made," Bird said.
Bird says they will celebrate the day by spending time with their family, watching a movie like Reservation Dogs or Prey, or connecting with nature, smudging and saying a prayer
"Ultimately, I think for me the most important part of recognizing today [Indigenous People Day] is connecting with my community and spending time in the practices that help me feel connected and heal me," Bird said.
Bird wants the day to be celebrated as a statutory holiday such as Canada Day because the nation is free and prosperous because of the sacrifices and knowledge of Indigenous people.
"Colonizers only survived because there were already people here who had complex structures of survival: who knew how to rotate crops, how to track the buffalo and the rabbits, the birds and the fish — who knew how to survive by being here first."
Many events honouring the day are being held across the province:
Saskatoon
Regina - Mamawinitowin Mocikihtawinihkewin Community Celebration: At Grassick Park from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., BBQ, cultural activities
