The Âé¶čAV Metis Rendezvous was held on June 21 to celebrate National Indigenous Peopleâs Day.
Stuart Park in downtown Âé¶čAV was buzzing with people from 11 a.m to 4 p.m.
Executive Director of the Metis Nation of B.C. Nikki McCrimmon said that although it was hosted by the Metis Society the day is about celebrating all nations.
âToday is all about acknowledging the land, celebrating the land, and showing the community what that looks like.â
The event included medicinal tents to learn about local medicines, smudging areas, and lots of jigging, a dance specific to Metis culture.
âItâs important for the non-Indigenous community to see how we celebrate and what it looks like and how important the land is to our culture and to Indigenous people.â
The day also had activities for the kids including a bouncy slide, face painting, and sidewalk chalk. Adults could try their hand at axe throwing with Axe Monkeys.
Free lunch of chilli and bannock was offered to all attendees.
âI was raised to be a proud Metis person and I absolutely am that,â McCrimmon said. âI think our culture is very holistic and thatâs why I love days like today so we can showcase what that looks like.â
READ MORE: Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society hosts festival for Indigenous Peoples Day
brittany.webster@blackpress.ca
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