Indigenous culture took centre stage.
For 36 years Canada has celebrated Indigenous people across the nation, and this year was no different.
“Today (June 21), Canada recognizes the rich culture, diversity, and achievements of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people,” said Alex Cardinal, president of the Bonnyville Native Friendship Centre.
On June 21, the Bonnyville Friendship Centre hosted their annual Indigenous Peoples Day, inviting the public and local schools to gather at the Bonnyville Centennial Centre to take-in their powwow performance and experience Indigenous heritage.
For Pauline Mawer, assistant executive director of the local Friendship Centre, it was heartwarming to see the community come together to celebrate their event.
Holding back tears, she described the importance of teaching Bonnyville students about Indigenous people.
“We have 900 kids here. A lot of these children don’t know or have never seen Aboriginal dances or the stories behind them. This is to showcase our culture, and the beauty of it,” she expressed. “When you look at the faces of these kids as they’re watching these dancers, they’re just so enthralled and are soaking it up like a sponge. I believe, personally, that’s why we do this, is for the children, so they can see and know the culture and hopefully keep learning about the culture.”
Taking part in the grand entry was Bonnyville-Cold Lake MLA Scott Cyr, and Town of Bonnyville Mayor Gene Sobolewski.
Cyr stressed the importance of taking the time to learn about Indigenous history and culture, while Sobolewski shared his excitement to be a part of the celebrations.
“The community of Bonnyville and the people of Bonnyville have been so supportive of us, in anyway. Anything that we ask, we get help,” said Mawer. “The community support really touches my heart.”
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