Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre is inviting the public to gather on Friday, June 20 to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day the following day.
The non-profit organization, located at 580 Cameron Street in Peterborough, is hosting special activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to commemorate the occasion.
First celebrated in 1996 as National Aboriginal Day (the day was renamed in 2017) following a proclamation by then Governor General of Canada Roméo LeBlanc, National Indigenous Peoples Day recognizes and celebrates the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island (Canada).
The June 21 date was chosen for several reasons, including its cultural significance as the summer solstice and because it is a day on which many Indigenous peoples and communities traditionally celebrate their heritage.
“It is an opportunity for our community to come together and be joyful,” Em Feltham Day, gender diverse Indigenous mentor at Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, told kawarthaNOW.
“We hope to gather to share stories and laughter. Connection is at the core of everything we do at the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, and we hope for the day to be full of community connection,” Feltham Day said.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is an important day to acknowledge, and participants can expect a celebration.
“It is a day filled with connection, laughter, and joy,” Feltham Day said. “We celebrate our gifts, our resiliency, and our strength as Indigenous people to Turtle Island.”
The event at Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre features a sacred fire, strawberry teachings, drumming, and craft activities for all ages. There will also be local Indigenous vendors and information tables with regional Indigenous organizations.
There is no cost to participate in Friday’s celebration.
As parking at Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre is limited, visitors are asked to reserve the parking lot at 580 Cameron Street for Elders and those with mobility needs.
Parking is available at Grace United Church at 581 Howden Street, which is a five-minute walk to the centre.
Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre was incorporated in 2008 and became a member of the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC) in 2009. One of the OFIFC’s newest members. Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre has been core funded since January 2010.
The OFIFC represents the collective interests of 31 friendship centres in cities and towns across the province. Friendship centres are places for community members and Indigenous people living in urban spaces to gather, connect with one another and receive culturally based services.
“Friendship centres improve the lives of urban Indigenous people by supporting self-determined activities which encourage equal access to, and participation in, Canadian society while respecting Indigenous cultural distinctiveness,” according to Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre.
