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Squamish Nation invited the community to participate in its 10th annual Aboriginal Day celebration on Friday (June 20). The 撸奶社区community gathered at the Stawamus Village waterfront to witness the yearly canoe race named in honour of Dean Adams, a well-respected bridge builder between 撸奶社区Nation and the RCMP, who passed away in 2009.听
National Aboriginal Day, held annually on the first day of summer (June 21) was first recognized in Canada in 1996. The day provides an opportunity for all Canadians to honour the achievements of Canada鈥檚 indigenous peoples and share First Nations culture through activities such as dance, song and storytelling.
After the race, all were invited to share a traditional meal of salmon and enjoy cultural activities at 撸奶社区Nation鈥檚 Totem Hall.听
About 200 people attended 鈥� a testimony to how a mutual willingness to share culture helps to build and maintain relationships within the community.听
Alice Guss and her eagle drum led the group in a traditional dance. Storyteller Charlene Williams shared a story of Raven who, like humans, does good and makes mistakes. She told the story in the old way, from memory, and added the digital enhancement of 撸奶社区Nation artist Rick Harry鈥檚 illustrations on screen.听
鈥淢y feelings are really good feelings to see you all here today,鈥� said Joshua Joseph, 撸奶社区Nation councillor, in his address to the 撸奶社区community.听
He said National Aboriginal Day is a day to celebrate culture, heritage, and difference. He expressed gratitude for the gathering of the 撸奶社区community, and the continuation of Dean Adams鈥檚 work to build bridges and see the community become of one heart, one mind, and one spirit.
