Mid-week was Indigenous People’s Day and there were many events around town where people could celebrate and participate.
Some organizations I spoke with mentioned the fact that they felt like they dropped the ball because they weren’t hosting any events. Each time, I had them pause and shared my own experience with Indigenous People’s Day over the years.
I have been organizing events for Indigenous People’s Day for about 10 years, from the West Shore Indigenous People’s Day festival at various locations to the Change-Makers’ Gathering, from galas to workshops and festivals. The West Shore Indigenous People’s Day festival is now the event hosted by Royal Roads University.
When I started organizing events, I always held them on June 21, somehow assuming that it must be on the actual day.
What I started to notice, however, is that the leaders, Elders and drum groups were stressed out, often being booked for several events, and travelling throughout the region to do their best to show support for each event. Some drum groups were travelling to six or seven different events.
At that moment, I decided that I no longer wanted to host events on June 21 out of respect for the other events and the drum groups, Elders and leaders in attendance.
June is Indigenous People’s Month, and an event can be at the beginning of the month and still count.
There are many events that happen around town, and I would never tell an organization not to host something if they want to.
I do let people who are feeling bad that they didn’t host something know that they can always attend another event. It’s about showing support, honouring Indigenous people, showing Indigenous children that their culture is something to celebrate, and an opportunity to learn.
Even if an organization isn’t organizing an event, there are other ways to show support. Over the years, I’ve been asked to attend professional development training and even board meetings on June 21. I always decline. Not in a rude way but I acknowledge what the day is, and that I do have other plans.
I always support finding ways to educate people and acknowledge different priorities without making people feel bad about it.
If someone tries to shame me or infers I have ill intentions, the approach doesn’t land well. I feel judged and that my integrity is being questioned. It doesn’t help me move forward.
The best way for me to learn, adapt and honour people different from myself is for a concept to be explained in a gentle way, as an opportunity to educate me, and acknowledge it might be something that I haven’t been exposed to.
If this Indigenous People’s Day came and went and you were not able to participate, or didn’t want to participate, that’s OK. If you wished you had, you can plan for next year.
If you are feeling bad that your organization didn’t host an event or organize an activity, know that you can attend one of the many events around town and that is OK.
There is something so weird in our society where people are always seeking opportunities to judge others, put them down, and question their intentions.
When you look within yourself and honour your own wishes, life is so much easier.
For me, Indigenous People’s Day is important because I have no memories of ever seeing Indigeneity being celebrated as a child, and unfortunately, I didn’t see it as a positive. I grew up thinking I had to overcome being Indigenous to be successful.
It’s been a life-changing experience to celebrate who I am, and I want Indigenous children to see it celebrated.
This Indigenous People’s Day, I spent a quiet day setting up a small Indigenous library nook in the Metchosin Arts and Culture Centre and I was at the Change-Makers Gathering Festival on June 10.
If you want to observe the day, it’s OK to do so on your own terms.
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